Job Details

📌 Job Title: Head of Operations – South Africa
🏢 Company: Rolfes Holdings (Solevo Group)
📍 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🕒 Employment Type: Full-Time
💼 Department: QHSE / Operations

Company Overview

Solevo is a leading distributor of chemicals and agricultural inputs across Africa, supporting industries and farmers with high-quality products and technical expertise. With over 75 years of experience, the company plays a key role in driving economic growth in life sciences and industrial sectors. Rolfes Holdings forms part of the Solevo Group, contributing to manufacturing, distribution, and innovation across the region.

Job Overview

Rolfes Holdings (Solevo Group) is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Operations to oversee all operational activities in South Africa. This includes leadership of logistics, production, warehousing, maintenance, and quality functions.

The role is critical in ensuring operational efficiency, cost optimisation, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the group’s Environmental, Health, Quality, and Safety (EHQS) standards. The successful candidate will report directly to the Managing Director and play a key role in shaping operational strategy and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Technical Leadership

Lead and develop cross-functional teams across production, logistics, engineering, and warehousing
Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant daily operations
Oversee maintenance of facilities, machinery, and transport systems
Manage logistics, customs clearance, and fulfilment processes

Maintenance & Engineering Management

Drive maintenance strategies and engineering planning
Ensure sufficient capacity for current and future production demands
Oversee installation and commissioning of new equipment

Production & Capacity Planning

Manage production planning and inventory to optimise efficiency
Ensure continuous supply of raw materials
Improve lead times and reduce operational costs

Health, Safety & Compliance

Promote a strong safety culture with zero tolerance for risks
Ensure compliance with legal and EHQS standards
Identify and manage environmental and operational risks

Continuous Improvement & Culture

Implement lean manufacturing and 5S methodologies
Drive performance culture focused on accountability and teamwork
Contribute to strategic planning and organisational growth

People & Resource Management

Manage workforce planning, training, and resource allocation
Identify operational gaps and cost-saving opportunities
Ensure teams are equipped with tools and PPE

Process Optimisation & Projects

Optimise plant performance and process efficiency
Lead technical projects and capital expenditure initiatives
Support manufacturing teams with technical expertise

Governance, Risk & Reporting

Monitor KPIs related to production, quality, safety, and cost
Report to executive leadership (EXCO)
Ensure adherence to budgets, timelines, and objectives

Qualifications

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)
Tertiary qualification in Engineering
Postgraduate qualification in Management (preferred)

Experience

Minimum 10 years’ experience in operations or manufacturing environments
3–5 years in a senior leadership role
Extensive experience in chemical manufacturing or related industries
Proven experience managing production plants and engineering functions
Experience with capital projects and large-scale operations

Skills

Strong leadership and strategic thinking
Advanced operational and technical expertise
Knowledge of EHQS integrated management systems
Financial management, budgeting, and cost optimisation
Project management and process improvement skills
Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
IT proficiency (Excel and operational systems)

Additional Requirements

GMR 2 and Section 16.2 certification (advantageous/required)
Knowledge of chemical product safety and hazards
Ability to manage complex, high-pressure environments

CV Tips

Highlight your operations leadership experience with measurable results
Include plant or manufacturing environments you’ve managed
Showcase cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements
Detail large-scale projects or CAPEX involvement
Demonstrate compliance and safety management experience (EHQS)
Use metrics (e.g., % cost reduction, production increases, downtime reduction)
Structure your CV: Executive Summary → Leadership Experience → Achievements → Technical Skills

Benefits of Joining the Company

Join a leading chemical distribution and manufacturing group in Africa
Work in a dynamic, international, and growth-focused environment
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
Opportunity to lead large-scale operations and strategic initiatives
Career growth and professional development opportunities

Company Policy

Rolfes Holdings (Solevo Group) is committed to operational excellence, safety, and ethical business practices. The company enforces strict compliance with environmental, health, safety, and quality standards. Equal opportunity employment principles apply, and all candidates are evaluated based on merit and experience. The company reserves the right to retain applicant information for future opportunities and will only contact shortlisted candidates.

To apply for this job please visit solevo-1695109387.teamtailor.com.