Operations Manager Positions in South Africa – Latest Listings & Career Tips

Here are some of the most active job boards and platforms posting real-time openings for Operations Manager across South Africa.

Indeed is a top choice for South African job seekers. They list hundreds of Operations Manager positions across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and beyond.

Good for both mid and senior-level operations manager roles in major metros and smaller towns.

LinkedIn isn’t just for networking-it’s a goldmine for Operations Manager positions. Use your profile to connect with recruiters and apply directly for positions.

CareerJunction focuses on South African roles, including Operations Manager positions. Their salary insights can help you negotiate better pay.

Includes company reviews and pay benchmarks. 

PNet is a leading job site with a wide range of Operations Manager positions in South Africa. It’s perfect for finding roles in various industries.

Specializes in SA-based roles across engineering and construction.

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Your CV is your first impression. Most Operations Manager positions require skills in process optimisation, team leadership, and budget management (based on job listings from CareerJunction). Highlight these skills upfront. For example, instead of “Managed operations,” say “Streamlined operations to cut costs by 15% while leading a team of 30 during regular load shedding.” 

Get in touch if you need assistance with your CV revamp.

Most Operations Manager positions in South Africa (e.g., on PNet) require skills like:

• Process Optimization: Show how you’ve improved workflows or reduced costs.
• Leadership: Highlight your experience managing teams, especially in high-pressure settings.
• Tech Proficiency: Mention tools like SAP, Power BI, or project management software.
  Consider upskilling through online courses or certifications in operations management to stay competitive.

Recruiters scour LinkedIn for Operations Manager positions candidates. Add keywords like “Operations Manager,” “process optimization,” and “South Africa” to your headline and summary. For example: “Operations Manager | 10+ Years in Logistics | Expert in Cost Reduction | Based in Johannesburg.”

If you need to revamp your LinkedIn to get noticed, check out our LinkedIn revamp service.

Understanding the role helps you stand out. Here’s what Operations Manager Positions in South Africa typically involve, based on industry insights.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

Operations Managers oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and profitability. You’ll spend most of your time:

• Managing teams and processes across departments.
• Analyzing performance metrics to identify inefficiencies.
• Ensuring compliance with South African regulations like BEE. Most roles (e.g., on CareerJunction) require 5–10 years of experience and involve both strategic planning and hands-on oversight.

According to CareerJunction’s salary insights, Operations Managers in South Africa earn R450,000–R900,000 annually, depending on experience and industry (higher in mining or logistics). Senior roles can exceed R1.2 million. Highlight measurable achievements on your CV to justify top pay. Our CV revamp service can help.

While a degree in business or operations helps, real-world experience in leading teams and improving systems is often more valuable.

Yes, especially in industries like tech or consulting. However, many roles require an on-site presence due to the hands-on nature of operations.

Progression can lead to General Manager, COO (Chief Operating Officer), or Director of Operations roles.

Expect questions like:

“How do you handle process inefficiencies?”

“Describe a time you improved operational performance.”

“How do you manage teams across departments?”

Key KPIs include:

• Operational efficiency
• Cost per unit/output
• Employee productivity
• Customer satisfaction
• Supply chain performance