Operations Manager: Manufacturing, Logistics & Facilities The Herbalist is looking for an experienced, practical, and highly capable Operations Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day operational flow of the business across manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, dispatch, facilities, maintenance, vehicles and staff management. This is a senior operational management role suited to someone who is hands‑on, structured, people‑focused, and able to bring consistency, accountability and efficiency into a growing business. A key focus of this role will be supporting the development of our manufacturing facility toward SAHPRA licensing readiness, GMP‑aligned operational standards, export capability, and access into major pharmaceutical retail channels in South Africa . The successful candidate will work closely with the Responsible Pharmacist and senior management to ensure that operational systems, facility standards, staff discipline, production flow, warehousing, maintenance and compliance‑related processes are implemented and maintained at a high standard. Key Responsibilities: Manufacturing & Production Oversee the daily running of the manufacturing facility Manage production schedules, workflow, output and operational efficiency Support the development of a structured, compliant and licence‑ready manufacturing environment Ensure machinery, equipment and production areas are properly maintained Identify bottlenecks and implement operational improvements Support GMP‑aligned operational systems and procedures Licensing, Compliance & Facility Readiness Work closely with the Responsible Pharmacist on operational compliance requirements Support SAHPRA licensing readiness and pharmaceutical‑grade facility standards Assist with SOP implementation, operational controls, documentation flow and staff procedures Help prepare the facility for audits, inspections, export‑readiness and large retail requirements Ensure operational teams follow required procedures and standards Warehouse, Logistics & Dispatch Oversee warehouse organisation, stock flow, picking and packing and dispatch operations Ensure goods move efficiently from manufacturing through to delivery Coordinate logistics, couriers, transport and company vehicles Ensure dispatch documentation and operational controls are properly managed Improve turnaround times, efficiency and operational accuracy Facilities, Maintenance & Operational Infrastructure Manage company buildings, facilities, maintenance, contractors and operational assets Coordinate repairs, cleaning, security, waste management and service providers Support facility upgrades, operational improvements and expansion projects Ensure facilities remain safe, functional, compliant and professionally maintained Staff Management & Leadership Manage operational staff across manufacturing, warehouse, dispatch and facilities Lead teams with accountability, fairness and strong communication Support performance management, staff development, HR and IR processes Help create a structured, productive and professional operational culture Planning, Budgets & Continuous Improvement Support operational planning and business growth initiatives Assist with operational budgets, projects and cost management Implement systems, controls, reporting structures and process improvements Drive accountability, operational discipline and continuous improvement Minimum Requirements Proven experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, facilities or a similar operational leadership role Strong experience managing staff in an operational environment Good understanding of production flow, stock movement, logistics, dispatch and warehouse operations Experience managing facilities, maintenance, contractors, vehicles or operational infrastructure Strong planning, organisational, leadership and problem‑solving skills Ability to manage multiple departments and priorities simultaneously Strong communication and people management abilities Hands‑on, practical and solutions‑focused approach Advantageous Experience The following would be beneficial but is not essential: Experience in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food‑grade, cosmetic, health supplement or regulated manufacturing environments Exposure to SAHPRA, GMP, HACCP, ISO or similar compliance standards Experience preparing facilities for audits, inspections or licensing Experience implementing SOPs, operational controls and documentation systems Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen or continuous improvement methods Experience managing operational budgets, CAPEX projects or facility upgrades Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who is: Highly organised and structured A strong communicator and people leader Hands‑on and operationally driven Calm under pressure Able to improve systems and drive accountability Comfortable working close to the floor in a growing business environment Able to help build a more structured, compliant and scalable operational environment Qualifications Relevant qualifications in Operations Management, Logistics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Facilities Management, Production Management, Engineering or Business Management would be advantageous. Strong practical experience and proven leadership ability will also be highly valued. #J-18808-Ljbffr