Business Operations Manager

About the Client:Our client is an established specialist engineering company based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, operating within the railway industry and other sectors requiring specialised engineering services.The company has an opportunity for an experienced Business Manager / Operations Manager to join its team and take responsibility for the effective coordination and management of its business and operational functions.The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing day-to-day business operations, translating strategic objectives into operational priorities, coordinating cross-functional activities, monitoring business performance, strengthening commercial and administrative controls, and supporting efficient service delivery across the organisation.The role requires an individual who can operate across both business management and operations management, with responsibility spanning administration, finance support, procurement, human resources, projects, commercial activities, business development and operational support. Key Performance Areas:

• Coordinate day-to-day business and operational activities across administration, finance support, procurement, human resources, projects and operational functions
• Translate business objectives and strategy into practical operational plans, priorities and performance measures
• Monitor operational and commercial performance and recommend corrective action where required
• Monitor service delivery, turnaround times, costs and outstanding operational actions
• Identify and address operational bottlenecks and escalate material risks and constraints where management intervention is required
• Support workforce planning, resource allocation and business capability requirements
• Support the preparation and monitoring of budgets, forecasts, management reports and commercial information
• Coordinate quotations, tenders, proposals and requests for quotations
• Support procurement processes and monitor supplier and service provider performance
• Maintain effective administrative, reporting, business record and document control processes
• Support business development initiatives, identify opportunities and maintain effective client relationships
• Coordinate cross-functional activities, internal meetings, action registers and follow-up processes
• Identify opportunities to improve revenue, service delivery, operational efficiency, turnaround times and customer value
• Identify operational, commercial, contractual, compliance and business continuity risks and support appropriate mitigation measures
• Drive continuous improvement of business processes, systems, workflows and internal controls
• Promote compliance with applicable legislation, contractual requirements, company policies, quality requirements, health and safety requirements and client standards
• Provide strategic, commercial, operational and administrative support to executive management Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in Business Management, Business Administration, Commerce, Operations Management, Engineering Management or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in business management, operations management, administration, project management or a comparable role
• Experience coordinating multiple business functions and stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience in budgeting, reporting, procurement, tender administration and client or supplier management
• Experience within an engineering, infrastructure, railway, manufacturing, construction or technical services environment will be highly advantageous
• Understanding of engineering services and project environments
• Knowledge of railway or public transport engineering environments will be advantageous
• Working knowledge of South African business, employment, health and safety, procurement and commercial compliance requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Experience with accounting, ERP, procurement, project management or business reporting systems
• Ability to analyse business information and prepare professional management reports and presentations
• Valid driver’s licence Competencies and Personal Attributes:
• Strong business and operational management capability
• Commercially aware, analytical and results-oriented
• Strong leadership and decision-making ability
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Strong planning, coordination and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and business functions effectively
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills
• Sound judgement and problem-solving ability
• Professional, ethical, trustworthy and dependable
• Organised, proactive and able to work independently
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Accountable and committed to high standards of performance
• Resilient and adaptable to changing operational and client requirements
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, project, administrative and support teams
• Comfortable operating within a technical and project-driven environment