Operations & Projects Manager

Position:
Manager – Operations & Projects
Department:  Operations
Reporting To:  Management
Nature of Role:  Field + Office Operations

Role Overview
We are looking for a hands-on Manager – Operations & Projects  who will be responsible for managing the company’s fleet operations, drivers, vehicle maintenance, infrastructure projects and other operational responsibilities assigned by management.
The person should be comfortable working in a fast-moving environment, visiting project sites, coordinating with drivers and vendors, solving operational problems independently and being available for urgent issues outside normal working hours when required.

Key Responsibilities
1. Fleet Operations & Cost Control
Manage day-to-day operations of company-owned commercial vehicles and reefer trucks.
Coordinate with drivers throughout trips and resolve operational issues.
Monitor vehicle movement, delays, stoppages, route deviations and trip completion.
Monitor fuel consumption, mileage and overall vehicle operating costs.
Identify unnecessary expenses and continuously work towards reducing cost per trip and cost per kilometre.
Control driver advances, road expenses and other trip-related expenses.
Investigate abnormal fuel consumption, excessive expenses or operational irregularities.
Ensure maximum vehicle utilization and minimum downtime.
Handle urgent operational issues during nights, weekends or holidays whenever required.
2. Driver Management
Recruit and hire suitable commercial vehicle drivers as required.
Maintain adequate backup drivers for emergencies and replacements.
Coordinate driver deployment, attendance, leave and replacement.
Monitor driver performance, driving discipline, mileage and vehicle handling.
Resolve driver-related operational issues.
Ensure drivers follow company procedures regarding fuel, expenses, vehicle maintenance and reporting.
3. Vehicle & Reefer Maintenance
Take responsibility for preventive and breakdown maintenance of company vehicles.
Coordinate with authorized service centres, local workshops and mechanics.
Monitor servicing schedules and ensure preventive maintenance is completed on time.
Manage tyres, batteries, DEF/AdBlue, spare parts and other vehicle consumables.
Coordinate maintenance and servicing of refrigeration/reefer units.
Verify repair requirements and workshop estimates before recommending approval.
Maintain proper vehicle-wise service and repair history.
Monitor insurance, fitness, permits, PUC and other vehicle-related documentation.
Minimize vehicle breakdowns and improve fleet uptime.
4. Breakdown & Emergency Management
Take ownership of vehicle breakdowns and other emergencies during transit.
Coordinate drivers, mechanics, workshops, towing and other support as required.
Ensure breakdowns are resolved as quickly and economically as possible.
Coordinate actions required to protect temperature-sensitive cargo in case of reefer or vehicle failure.
Keep management informed during major incidents.
5. Cold Room, Factory & Infrastructure Projects
Oversee construction and development of company cold rooms, factories and other infrastructure at different locations.
Conduct regular site visits.
Coordinate with civil, electrical, refrigeration, PUF panel, flooring, racking and other contractors.
Monitor project progress against agreed timelines.
Follow up with contractors and vendors to prevent unnecessary delays.
Monitor quality of work and highlight deviations to management.
Coordinate materials, equipment and other project requirements.
Verify work completed before contractor/vendor bills are recommended for payment.
Provide management with regular site photographs and project progress reports.
6. Vendor & Contractor Management
Coordinate with workshops, mechanics, contractors, suppliers and…