Operations Manager CDE x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Operations Manager CDE
- Reference Number: CCB260630-10
- Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)
- Job Category: Cold Drinks Equipment (CDE)
- Job Type: Permanent
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Province: Free State
- Country: South Africa
- Closing Date: 7 July 2026
- Employment Equity: Equity Bonded (Employment Equity position)
Job Description
The Operations Manager CDE is responsible for leading and managing the complete lifecycle of Cold Drinks Equipment (CDE) operations within the assigned region. The role oversees maintenance operations, cooler movements, warehousing, spare parts management, inventory control, and fleet operations to ensure the efficient utilization of company assets and delivery of high-quality customer service.
The successful candidate will manage field service teams, coordinate warehouse and logistics activities, oversee equipment maintenance and refurbishment, monitor operational performance, control budgets, and ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and service level agreements (SLAs). The role requires strong leadership, operational planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Field Services & Maintenance Operations
- Lead and manage regional field service teams.
- Deliver high-quality, cost-effective technical support to customers.
- Ensure planned and corrective maintenance is completed according to standards and timelines.
- Minimize equipment downtime, repeat service calls, and service interruptions.
- Manage third-party contractors and monitor service quality.
- Maintain customer service levels and implement Customer Service Management (CSM) plans.
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance, refurbishment, and equipment movement activities.
- Monitor maintenance costing reports and provide operational insights.
- Oversee fleet utilization, vehicle safety, company image, and accident investigations.
Warehouse & Distribution Management
- Support warehouse and logistics operations to ensure adequate cooler availability.
- Coordinate accurate and timely daily cooler deliveries.
- Prevent delivery returns and outstanding customer orders.
- Ensure cooling equipment is transported safely and maintained in good condition.
- Conduct asset verification and maintain accurate inventory records.
Spares & Inventory Control
- Manage stock levels across warehouses and technician vehicles.
- Ensure accurate inventory control and stock management.
- Optimize spare parts inventory to balance availability and cost.
- Analyze stock usage trends and identify improvement opportunities.
- Conduct regular stock audits to ensure inventory accuracy and process compliance.
Performance Leadership
- Set performance objectives and monitor team performance.
- Review operational performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions.
- Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with customer service standards, SLAs, quality requirements, safety regulations, and housekeeping standards.
Budgeting & Cost Control
- Develop annual operational expenditure budgets.
- Align budgets with business plans and financial guidelines.
- Engage team members and customers during the budgeting process.
- Monitor operational spending against approved budgets.
- Investigate budget variances and implement corrective measures.
- Promote disciplined financial management and cost efficiency.
Qualifications
- Technical or Engineering qualification.
- Qualification in Refrigeration, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering is advantageous.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Experience Requirements
- 5–8 years of operational management experience.
- Experience in field services, technical operations, logistics, or equipment management environments.
- Proven experience managing maintenance operations.
- Experience in warehouse and distribution management.
- Experience in fleet management.
- Experience in asset management and inventory control.
- Strong budgeting and financial management experience.
- Experience leading operational teams and managing contractors.
Required Skills
Technical & Operational Skills
- Operations management
- Maintenance management
- Warehouse management
- Logistics coordination
- Fleet management
- Asset management
- Inventory and stock control
- Operational planning
- Performance monitoring
- Continuous improvement
Financial Skills
- Budget preparation
- Cost control
- Financial analysis
- Expense monitoring
- Resource management
Leadership Skills
- Team leadership
- People management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Performance management
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
Communication Skills
- Customer relationship management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Report writing
- Presentation skills
- Negotiation and interpersonal communication
Analytical Skills
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving
- Root cause analysis
- Planning and forecasting
- Decision-making based on operational data
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management ability.
- Customer-focused mindset.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills.
- High level of operational discipline and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Data-driven decision-making capability.
- Ability to manage multiple operational functions simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong budgeting and financial management skills.
- Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet operational deadlines.
- Results-oriented with a focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.