Job Description

VACANCY: Operations Manager

About Walvis Bay | WBCT – Walvis Bay Cargo Terminal (Pty) Ltd

Walvis Bay Cargo Terminal is a key logistics and freight-handling facility in Namibia’s leading port town of Walvis Bay. Strategically located along the southwestern African coast, WBCT connects the SADC region to international markets via the Atlantic Ocean. WBCT is part of the Access World family, a leading provider of specialized warehousing and logistics solutions for producers, consumers, and traders.

WBCT offers reliable, value-adding, and efficient services to clients across a broad spectrum of industries within Sub-Saharan Africa.

We are committed to operational excellence, safety, and sustainability — driving regional trade from the heart of Namibia’s port.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all daily operational activities across specialized cargo handling, logistics, warehousing, fleet management, vessel operations, and support services while driving efficiency, profitability, safety, and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Plan, direct, and coordinate all operational activities across logistics, warehousing, cargo handling, fleet, and support functions.
• Oversee vessel cargo operations including loading, discharge, tallying, stuffing, stripping, and storage.
• Ensure efficient vessel turnaround times through monitoring and reporting.
• Develop operational strategies, budgets, and performance targets.
• Monitor KPIs including throughput, cycle times, labour productivity, fuel usage, and maintenance costs.
• Identify and implement process improvements.
• Manage inventory, stock control, and operational assets.

People Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, train, mentor, and develop teams.
• Manage workforce planning, shifts, scheduling, and manpower utilization.
• Conduct performance reviews and disciplinary processes.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and excellence.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Drive Health, Safety, and Environmental standards across operations.
• Ensure compliance with Namibian legislation, company policy, and ISO standards.
• Conduct audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Promote a zero-harm culture.
• Ensure equipment and machinery are maintained to safe standards.

Cross-functional & Client Collaboration

• Work closely with Finance, HR, Payroll, Procurement, Logistics, and Executive Management.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, shipping lines, and transporters.
• Ensure delivery service meets client expectations.
• Provide input on pricing, capacity planning, and new business opportunities.
• Submit weekly and monthly reports to senior management.

Systems & Reporting

• Analyse KPIs and operational data to drive decision-making.
• Analyse and improve truck turnaround times.
• Work with system developers to improve functionality and usability.
• Use MS Excel including Pivot Tables, formulas, and charts for planning and reporting.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of Grade 12
• Minimum 7 years’ operational management experience in logistics, port operations, warehousing, transport, fleet, or related sectors
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in managing multi-country operations
• Proven cargo handling, vessel operations, and terminal experience in handling specialized cargo like Sulphur, fertilizer, and metals
• Experience in bulk bagging and debagging operations
• Experience managing large teams across multiple departments
• Proven success in reducing costs and improving efficiency
• Experience in multicultural and cross-border environments, especially on the Southern African coastline, is advantageous
• Strong understanding of equipment maintenance and cost control
• Experience in building maintenance will be advantageous

Technical & Personal Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Hands-on operational management style
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability
• Strong commercial awareness and cost-control mindset
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• High attention to detail and organizational ability
• Proficient in MS Office, MS Teams, and advanced MS Excel
• Fluent in English

Additional Requirements

• Clear Criminal Record
• Valid Driver’s License
• Physically fit and able to work in demanding environments
• Willingness to work extended hours when required

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Operational efficiency and cost optimization
• Vessel and truck turnaround performance
• Client satisfaction and service delivery
• Compliance with safety and legal standards
• Reduction/improvement in incident occurrence and downtime
• Team productivity and retention
• Budget adherence and profitability improvement

Collaboration & Reporting Lines

The successful candidate will report to the General Manager / Executive Management Team and work closely with:

• Operations Teams
• Logistics & Fleet Teams
• Health & Safety Department
• HR & Payroll
• Finance Department
• External clients, contractors, and service providers

Ready to Apply?

If you are a highly experienced operations professional with a proven track record in leadership, specialized cargo handling, safety, efficiency, and operational excellence, we invite you to apply.

Submit your application via:

call to apply

Required Documents:

• Detailed Cover Letter
• Updated CV
• Copies of Relevant Qualifications

Closing Date:

17 May 2026 @ 07:00 PM