Operations Manager, Howick

Operations Manager: Manufacturing, Logistics&Facilities The Herbalist is looking for an experienced, practical, and highly capable

Operations Manager

to oversee the day‑to‑day operational flow of the business across manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, dispatch, facilities, maintenance, vehicles and staff management.

This is a senior operational management role suited to someone who is hands‑on, structured, people‑focused, and able to bring consistency, accountability and efficiency into a growing business.

A key focus of this role will be supporting the development of our manufacturing facility toward

SAHPRA licensing readiness, GMP‑aligned operational standards, export capability, and access into major pharmaceutical retail channels in South Africa .

The successful candidate will work closely with the Responsible Pharmacist and senior management to ensure that operational systems, facility standards, staff discipline, production flow, warehousing, maintenance and compliance‑related processes are implemented and maintained at a high standard.

Key Responsibilities: Manufacturing&Production

Oversee the daily running of the manufacturing facility

Manage production schedules, workflow, output and operational efficiency

Support the development of a structured, compliant and licence‑ready manufacturing environment

Ensure machinery, equipment and production areas are properly maintained

Identify bottlenecks and implement operational improvements

Support GMP‑aligned operational systems and procedures

Licensing, Compliance&Facility Readiness

Work closely with the Responsible Pharmacist on operational compliance requirements

Support SAHPRA licensing readiness and pharmaceutical‑grade facility standards

Assist with SOP implementation, operational controls, documentation flow and staff procedures

Help prepare the facility for audits, inspections, export‑readiness and large retail requirements

Ensure operational teams follow required procedures and standards

Warehouse, Logistics&Dispatch

Oversee warehouse organisation, stock flow, picking and packing and dispatch operations

Ensure goods move efficiently from manufacturing through to delivery

Coordinate logistics, couriers, transport and company vehicles

Ensure dispatch documentation and operational controls are properly managed

Improve turnaround times, efficiency and operational accuracy

Facilities, Maintenance&Operational Infrastructure

Manage company buildings, facilities, maintenance, contractors and operational assets

Coordinate repairs, cleaning, security, waste management and service providers

Support facility upgrades, operational improvements and expansion projects

Ensure facilities remain safe, functional, compliant and professionally maintained

Staff Management&Leadership

Manage operational staff across manufacturing, warehouse, dispatch and facilities

Lead teams with accountability, fairness and strong communication

Support performance management, staff development, HR and IR processes

Help create a structured, productive and professional operational culture

Planning, Budgets&Continuous Improvement

Support operational planning and business growth initiatives

Assist with operational budgets, projects and cost management

Implement systems, controls, reporting structures and process improvements

Drive accountability, operational discipline and continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements

Proven experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, facilities or a similar operational leadership role

Strong experience managing staff in an operational environment

Good understanding of production flow, stock movement, logistics, dispatch and warehouse operations

Experience managing facilities, maintenance, contractors, vehicles or operational infrastructure

Strong planning, organisational, leadership and problem‑solving skills

Ability to manage multiple departments and priorities simultaneously

Strong communication and people management abilities

Hands‑on, practical and solutions‑focused approach

Advantageous Experience The following would be beneficial but is not essential:

Experience in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food‑grade, cosmetic, health supplement or regulated manufacturing environments

Exposure to SAHPRA, GMP, HACCP, ISO or similar compliance standards

Experience preparing facilities for audits, inspections or licensing

Experience implementing SOPs, operational controls and documentation systems

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen or continuous improvement methods

Experience managing operational budgets, CAPEX projects or facility upgrades

Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who is:

Highly organised and structured

A strong communicator and people leader

Hands‑on and operationally driven

Calm under pressure

Able to improve systems and drive accountability

Comfortable working close to the floor in a growing business environment

Able to help build a more structured, compliant and scalable operational environment

Qualifications Relevant qualifications in Operations Management, Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Facilities Management, Production Management, Engineering or Business Management would be advantageous.

Strong practical experience and proven leadership ability will also be highly valued.

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