Who are we?

SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent’s high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors. Rolfes Holding is part of Solevo Group Company.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Head of Operations - South Africa.

What do we expect from the candidate?

The Head of Operations will be responsible for the overall management of the operational activities in South Africa, including logistics, production, warehousing, maintenance and quality. The role reports to the MD South Africa and ensures cost optimisation, operational performance and compliance with the Group’s EHSQ standards.

The key responsibilities:

Operational & Technical Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop production, maintenance, engineering, warehousing, logistics and technical services teams to achieve optimal performance.

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing, warehouse and transport processes.

• Ensure all machinery, buildings, vehicles and plant equipment are maintained in accordance with health, safety, and legal requirements and ensure the reliability of the facilities.

• Manage transit, customs clearance and fulfilment operations.

Maintenance & Engineering Management

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of maintenance and engineering strategies in support of operational requirements.

• Ensure adequate installed capacity exists to meet current and future manufacturing needs.

• Drive the sourcing, installation, and commissioning of machinery and equipment for capacity expansion and improvement projects.

Production & Capacity Planning

• Ensure effective capacity planning across all plants, balancing demand, production, and inventory levels to minimise waste and overproduction.

• Oversee raw material planning to maintain uninterrupted production and maximum plant utilisation.

• Optimize lead times, cost and logistics flows.

Health, Safety, Environment & Legal Compliance

• Embody safe behaviour and lead the site to the highest standards for Safety Culture. Drive a zero‑tolerance culture toward unsafe acts and conditions.

• Ensure full legal compliance across all plants, including statutory appointments and safety legislation.

• Ensure the implementation of all relevant Solevo policies and procedures (Solevo, Rolfes, Bragan)

• Identify and manage operational and environmental risks

• Promote and maintain high standards of health, safety, environmental compliance, and quality (EHQS).

Continuous Improvement & Culture

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and mission‑directed work teams.

• Lead and implement 5S initiatives to improve workplace organisation, safety, and company image.

• Foster a culture of discipline, accountability, mutual respect, diversity, inclusion, teamwork, and high performance.

• Contribute to the company’s overall strategy.

People & Resource Management

• Ensure departments are staffed with appropriately skilled employees, equipped with the necessary training, tools, and PPE.

• Manage all human, technical, and financial resources responsibly, identifying bottlenecks, gaps, and cost‑saving opportunities.

Process Optimisation & Projects

• Oversee the process engineering function to optimise plant performance, output quality, efficiency, and utilisation.

• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams and lead problem‑solving initiatives.

• Lead technical development projects, including installation of new facilities, equipment, and processes.

• Responsible for capex management.

Governance, Risk & Reporting

• Identify and manage operational risks.

• Report to EXCO on KPIs including volume, quality, non‑conformances, safety, plant performance, cost, capex and resource utilisation.

• Ensure the compliance with budgets, deadlines and objectives.

Internal contacts

• General management, Finance, Sales, Central Procurement, Group Director Operations, QHSE.

External contacts

Freight forwarders, Carriers, Port and custom authorities, technical service providers, engineering firms, certification and inspection bodies, (international) suppliers of chemical products.

Personal Skills

• Leadership and strategic vision.

• Sense of responsibility and initiative.

• Rigour and high operational standards.

• Ability to handle pressure and complex challenges.

• Commitment to continuous improvement.

If you possess…

Must-Have:

• Grade 12 (Matric).

• Relevant Tertiary qualification in Engineering and postgraduate studies in Management.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a similar role.

• At least 3–5 years’ experience in a senior operations leadership position.

• Extensive experience in engineering, maintenance, and plant/machinery installation within chemical manufacturing environments (food, water, industrial products, specialty, and agricultural sectors).

• Understanding of Chemical product characteristics and hazards.

• Proven experience managing production plants, manufacturing processes, team management and strategic project management.

• Recognised expertise as a GMR 2 and Section 16.2 appointee.

• Strong people leadership and cross‑functional management capability.

• Strategic, technical, and commercial acumen. Result oriented approach.

• Zero‑tolerance approach to unsafe acts and conditions.

• Strong planning, organising, and execution skills.

• Sound project management, budgeting, cost management, resource optimization and financial management skills.

• Strong communication and coordination skills.

• Knowledge of EHQS Integrated Management Systems.

• Strong IT skills, use of IT systems and personal software (Excel).

If you are…

• Adaptable, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Why join Rolfes Holdings Solevo?

• Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.

• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.

• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and ‘thinking out of the box’ is key.

• Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.

• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.

• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Then, this job is for you!

How to join us?

If you’re excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.

What's next ?

If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.

Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.