Operations Director – Ship Repair – RSA

Our client seeking an experienced and strategic Divisional Director to lead their South African operations. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a results-driven professional with extensive experience in large-scale contracting, engineering, or industrial operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, overseeing major projects, leading high-performing teams, and contributing to the long-term growth and success of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve efficiency and support long-term business objectives.
• Lead the overall management of operations across South Africa, ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable project delivery.
• Oversee project management, maintenance teams, and operational performance to ensure successful execution of projects.
• Manage operational facilities, yards, key assets, floating docks, cranes, and floating crane operations across the business.
• Collaborate with the Commercial team on tender preparation, evaluation, and execution.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and actual expenditure while identifying opportunities for improved cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, quality requirements, and internal procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and subcontractors throughout project lifecycles.
• Drive performance management across operational teams and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership in safety, quality, and operational excellence across all activities.
• Undertake any additional responsibilities aligned with the role as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 8–10 years’ senior management experience within a large-scale contracting, engineering, marine, heavy industrial, or project-based environment.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary operational teams across multiple sites or regions.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and cost controls.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects, contracts, and operational performance.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Extensive knowledge of engineering and contracting principles, techniques, and industry best practices.
• Strong understanding of project controls, estimating, budgeting, and financial management.
• Experience managing contract terms and conditions and overseeing contractor performance.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and people management skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Sound knowledge of mechanical procedures, equipment, and maintenance operations.

Working Environment This role is based in South Africa and involves working within industrial and operational environments across multiple locations. The successful candidate may be exposed to moving machinery, elevated noise levels, and other operational conditions where the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential.
The position requires regular travel within South Africa, as well as occasional international and offshore travel, depending on business requirements.
Physical Requirements The role requires a combination of office-based and operational activities, including:

• Extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Frequent use of hands and arms.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Good hearing, communication, and close vision.
• Ability to access operational and offshore work environments when required.

What We’re Looking For We are looking for a strategic leader who can inspire teams, strengthen operational performance, build lasting client relationships, and deliver exceptional business results. If you have a proven track record in leading complex operations and driving sustainable growth within engineering, marine, or industrial sectors, please apply today.