REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER - KZN

Location: King Shaka International Airport, KwaZulu-Natal

Industry: Vehicle Rental Support Services | Fleet Operations | Logistics

Appointment: Immediate

Gulf Manpower Services is seeking an exceptionally strong, experienced and hands-on Regional Operations Manager to take charge of our KwaZulu-Natal operations, based at King Shaka International Airport.

This is not a conventional desk-based management position. We require a determined, disciplined, motivated and highly capable individual who can take control of a demanding operational environment, lead a sizeable workforce and deliver measurable results.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the efficient deployment and management of drivers, washbay staff, vehicle movements, operational compliance, accident prevention and the consistent delivery of high service standards to our clients.

We are looking for a leader, not a spectator.

Someone who leads from the front, makes difficult decisions, enforces operational discipline and takes personal responsibility for results.

We are not looking for someone who simply identifies problems and reports them to management. We need someone who identifies problems, takes decisive action and ensures they are resolved.

• Operational Leadership: Take full ownership of daily operations, maintaining a visible, hands-on presence and ensuring that operational standards are consistently enforced.
• Driver Management and Discipline: Establish and maintain firm control over drivers, enforcing company rules, professional conduct, attendance, productivity and accountability.
• Prevention of Vehicle Misuse: Strictly enforce company policies prohibiting unauthorised passengers, personal use of client vehicles and other unacceptable driver conduct.
• Accident and Damage Prevention: Actively implement and enforce measures to reduce accidents, vehicle damage, reckless driving and avoidable financial losses.
• Vehicle Inspection Compliance: Ensure that mandatory pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections are completed correctly, with proper accountability for vehicle condition and damage reporting.
• Fleet Coordination: Oversee vehicle movements, deliveries, collections, preparation and driver readiness to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Staff Planning: Manage driver availability, shift rosters, attendance, leave and operational coverage.
• Performance Management: Address poor performance, misconduct and non-compliance promptly through appropriate corrective and disciplinary procedures.
• Client Relations: Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with clients, responding professionally and decisively to operational concerns, complaints and service requirements.
• Operational Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to company procedures, client requirements, safety standards and operational policies.
• Reporting and Administration: Maintain accurate operational records, incident reports, driver performance information and management reporting.
• Regional Oversight: Maintain direct oversight of operational performance, driver conduct and service delivery throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
• Problem Solving: Take immediate ownership of driver-related problems, operational disruptions and unexpected service demands, implementing practical solutions without unnecessary delays.

• Matric / Grade 12 essential.
• Minimum 3–5 years' proven operational management experience, preferably within the car rental, fleet management, transport or logistics industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing sizeable teams, particularly drivers or other operational personnel.
• A proven track record of enforcing workforce discipline, improving operational performance and holding employees accountable.
• Strong, assertive leadership skills and the confidence to confront difficult situations and make unpopular decisions when necessary.
• Practical experience in vehicle movements, fleet operations, vehicle inspections, accident prevention and damage control.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly when dealing with demanding clients.
• Strong organisational, administrative and problem-solving abilities.
• Computer literacy and the ability to prepare accurate operational reports.
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport essential.
• Own smartphone essential.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, public holidays and additional hours as operational requirements dictate.
• Must reside in the immediate vicinity of King Shaka International Airport or surrounding areas, ensuring reliable attendance and prompt response to operational requirements.

We are seeking an individual with genuine leadership ability, a strong work ethic and the determination to take charge of an operation and make a difference.

The successful candidate must be:

• Strong-willed and decisive: Confident in exercising authority, enforcing rules and making difficult operational decisions.
• A hands-on leader: Someone who is visible on the ground, understands what is happening in the operation and leads by example.
• Firm but fair: Capable of maintaining strict discipline while treating employees consistently, professionally and respectfully.
• Action-oriented: A practical problem-solver who delivers solutions rather than excuses.
• Client-focused: Professional, diplomatic and approachable, with the ability to build trust and maintain excellent client relationships.
• Accountable: Prepared to take ownership of operational failures, address their causes and implement lasting corrective action.
• Resilient: Comfortable working under pressure, managing difficult personalities and dealing with challenging operational circumstances.
• Hard-working: Prepared to put in the effort required to maintain control of a demanding, fast-moving operation.
• Results-driven: Focused on improving driver performance, reducing accidents and damage, controlling costs and delivering reliable service.

We place greater value on proven operational leadership, a strong work ethic and the ability to deliver results than on impressive job titles or qualifications alone.

If you are an experienced operational leader who thrives on responsibility, believes in discipline and accountability, and has the determination to take charge of a demanding regional operation, we invite you to apply.

Please submit your CV, highlighting your relevant operational management experience, to:

***email_hidden***

This is an immediate appointment.

Should you not receive a response by 30 November 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.