Branch Manager – Industrial Laundry Operations Location: Cape TownDepartment: OperationsReporting To: General ManagerPosition Type: Permanent / Middle Management This role is responsible for the end-to-end management of operations, including collection, receiving, sorting, repairing, washing, drying, folding, packing, order make-up, loading, distribution, and delivery. The successful candidate will drive profitability, operational efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction while leading a large, multi-functional team. Key Responsibilities Profitability & Financial Management: Manage and optimise financial resources to ensure maximum return on investment. Control labour, raw materials, utilities, chemicals, and equipment costs. Compile and manage operational budgets. Monitor fixed, variable, and Capex expenditure. Control wage and salary costs in line with approved budgets. Calculate and review pricing structures to maintain competitive and profitable margins. Production & Operational Excellence: Oversee all production processes across the branch. Set and monitor hourly/daily production targets per area and machine. Investigate deviations and implement root cause corrective actions. Ensure that production schedules are compiled, communicated, and optimised for efficiency. Monitor plant efficiency (kg processed per labour hour). Drive continuous improvement in productivity and quality standards. Distribution & Logistics: Ensure that trucks are loaded optimally and routes are efficiently planned. Implement systems to control inbound and outbound logistics. Ensure secure, accurate, and timeous deliveries. Maintain effective administration and the tracking of all distribution activities. Sales & Customer Service: Maintain and strengthen client relationships to ensure retention and contract renewals. Oversee complaint resolution and ensure timely client feedback. Monitor customer satisfaction surveys and implement corrective actions. Support sales strategy and manage new business, renewals, and installations. People Management: Lead, coach, and manage branch staff performance and conduct. Address grievances and disciplinary matters in line with the policy. Plan labour effectively to reduce overtime and casual labour costs. Identify training gaps and align with the workplace skills plan and budget. Maintain accurate time, attendance, and payroll administration (Payspace). Administration & Reporting: Analyse operational, financial, distribution, sales, and HR reports. Take corrective actions where deviations occur. Compile monthly management, Exco, and Board reports. Legislative & Standards Compliance: Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 requirements. Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Ensure HR and IR compliance in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA). Maintain effective financial controls, administration systems, and ELCB requirements. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Plant efficiency (kg processed per labour hour) Customer retention and complaint resolution rate Cost per kilogram processed (labour, utilities, and chemicals vs budget) Regional financial and operational performance targets Minimum Requirements Undergraduate qualification in Engineering, Finance, Business, or Production. Minimum 5 years’ experience in factory/production operations. At least 3 years in a middle management role. Minimum 5 years’ experience in SHEQ, with strong knowledge of health and safety regulations. Working knowledge of factory equipment, machinery, and production processes. Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and people management skills Excellent financial acumen Strong operational and analytical ability Effective communicator (written and verbal) Decisive under pressure Working Environment Site-based role within an industrial laundry facility. Exposure to heat, noise, moisture, chemicals, and moving machinery. Regular presence required on the production floor (PPE mandatory). Flexible hours, including early starts, extended hours, and occasional weekends. High-pressure operational environment requiring strong problem-solving ability. If you are a resilient, commercially minded operations leader ready to take full accountability for branch performance and drive operational excellence, we invite you to apply. Step into a leadership role where performance, quality, and service excellence matter. #J-18808-Ljbffr