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Operations Manager

Exclusive Adventure Tour Company Escape+Explore are looking for a professional Operations Manager to plan, direct and coordinate the day to day logistics & operations. You will be responsible for improving performance, productivity, efficiency and profitability through the implementation of effective methods and strategies. You will coach and manage a team of guides, operational staff and other direct reports.

You will be joining the forefront of African Adventure travel in helping to maintain & develop our unique brand of touring out of our HQ on the Cape Peninsula located in the Noordhoek Farm Village. The role reports to the Touring Manager and the company Director.

Core Values:

BE ORIGINAL /  BE SLICK /  BE CARING / MAKE A  DIFFERENCE / WORK HARD PLAY HARD

Operations manager: The job role and excellence in Operations maximizes profit and minimizes cost:

Day to day tour logistics

  • Implement or improve operational systems, processes and best practices that guarantee organisational well-being
  • Manage supplier accounts, orders, receipts
  • Cater to guides’ and agents’ concerns
  • Liaise between Sales, Accounts, Guides, Suppliers
  • Quality assurance for service delivery
  • Implement a “best practice” model by refining procedures
  • Planning and controlling change
  • Researching alternative methods of efficiency for maximum effectiveness

Inventory management system

  • Report on and monitor inventory turnover and cost including breakages
  • Management of stock levels, purchase of materials and inventory planning
  • Understanding distribution of stock and ensuring return stock is accurately recorded
  • Creating a cost control centre based on budgetary constraints
  • Producing regular loss & damage reports and suggesting/ implementing solutions to improve
  • Control of stock
  • Maintenance of large stock items

Fleet Management (own / 3rd party vehicles)

  • Monitoring mileage vs fuel efficiency
  • Control of maintenance and utility costs
  • 3rd party rates and contract negotiations
  • Comparative analysis reports and suggestions for improvement

Vehicle turnaround

  • Meeting tight deadlines
  • Accuracy / attention to detail
  • Cleanliness & minimum standards
  • Procedure for clean vehicles
  • Implementing effective quality controls for monitoring error rates including work that must be redone
  • Creating a timeline for turnarounds of vehicles and ways to improve
  • Detailed maintenance reports
  • Permits and supporting documents up to date and in place

Staff management

  • Update operational staff KPI’s and instill core values for employee efficiency and effectiveness
  • Monitor and manage operational staff KPI’s for consistency and as a learning tool
  • Monitor and manage overtime
  • Foster better relations between guides and storeroom for co-operative environment- rely on core values
  • Reinforce the culture of exclusivity and instill respect for all role players to minimize negative feedback
  • Train, motivate and coach staff
  • Checklist monitoring for accuracy ensuring we are constantly meeting high standards
  • Spot-checks for quality and minimization of mistakes
  • Establish incentives and adherence to core values for personal and professional growth
  • Introduce / reinforce a follow-up system with guides to measure quality and consistency of vehicle inventory packs
  • Ensure Guide qualifications, licence details, vehicle certifications, etc updated monthly

Reporting

  • Produce accurate monthly reports
  • Analyse and discuss for continued improvements
  • Recommendations for efficient use of time (productivity vs time)

Development

  • Improvements to the current operational offering
  • Systems updates, innovations, improvements for better communication between departments and guides minimizing communication breakdown

Ideal Candidates:

  • Proven work experience in similar field
  • Leadership and organisational skills
  • A-Type attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Problem solver
  • Outgoing, Confident and Creative
  • Own transport to be able to work early or late shifts
  • Great local knowledge of Cape Town and Surrounds
  • An ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organisation
  • Hospitality/ travel background would be an advantage
  • Work hard play hard ethos!
  • Fun & Adventurous

This role is a great way to enter the travel industry or further progress one’s career with South Africa’s leading Adventure Tour Company.

Location:

Escape+Explore, Noordhoek Farm Village, Noordhoek, Cape Town, South Africa

Please send your CV and a covering mail to: Millie millie@escapeexplore.com ; +27 21 789 0142

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