Business Unit Manager

Position: Business Unit Manager Job Description: To provide strategic leadership and operational direction across the portfolio by delivering client-centric solutions, driving operational excellence, and achieving commercial, service delivery and growth objectives. The role ensures effective governance, strong stakeholder relationships, continuous improvement and the development of high-performing teams to deliver sustainable business outcomes.

Location: Johannesburg

• Adcorp Place Contract Type: Permanent Minimum Requirements: Experience: Min 5-10 years’ experience in senior leadership roles within process driven working environments and or industries Warehouse/ Production/ Hospitality industry experience is essential. Qualification: Tertiary business qualification ideally in logistics, supply chain management or process / industrial engineering Additional Requirements: N/A Roles and Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Operational Insight Provide strategic operational insight and industry expertise to ensure solutions are commercially sustainable, output-focused, and aligned to business strategy. Contribute as a member of the Management Committee (Manco) in shaping business strategy, operational direction, and organisational priorities. Foster a culture of operational excellence, process discipline, innovation, and continuous improvement across the business. Drive the integration of technology, digitisation, and operational reporting to improve efficiency, visibility, and decision-making. Evaluate, implement, and continuously improve existing and new operational solutions aligned to strategic business objectives. Support the development of new functionally outsourced solutions through market intelligence, industry trends, competitor analysis, and evolving client requirements. Operational Management & Process Execution Provide operational leadership and execution oversight across all functionally outsourced solutions within the responsible portfolio. Ensure operational delivery complies with client requirements, Statements of Work (SOWs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), pricing schedules, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contractual obligations. Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational processes and SOPs to support consistent service delivery and operational excellence. Conduct regular operational reviews, site visits, and inspections to monitor service delivery, compliance, KPI achievement, and identify improvement opportunities. Analyse operational performance, investigate root causes of variances, and implement corrective and preventative actions. Lead the effective onboarding and implementation of new clients and operational solutions. Oversee operational administration, including payroll governance, employee documentation, operational records, sales order management, and billing accuracy. Ensure operational processes, controls, and service delivery activities effectively support business and client objectives. Financial Management & Business Growth Deliver agreed commercial, financial, growth, and profitability objectives for the business unit. In partnership with the Operations Executive and Finance, monitor financial performance and implement initiatives that improve margins, control costs, and achieve budgeted operating profit. Develop forecasts, monitor client profitability (CP%), and implement corrective actions where required. Manage operational cost drivers, including PPE, transport, training, medicals, and other cost-of-sales items in line with pricing schedules. Ensure accurate invoicing, effective debtor management, and timely resolution of outstanding accounts in collaboration with Finance and operational teams. Develop client pricing schedules and support annual pricing reviews and negotiations. Identify organic growth opportunities within existing clients and support business development through solution design, pricing, tenders, and client engagements. Support client acquisition, onboarding, retention, and the development of tailored operational solutions that strengthen the business offering. Compliance, Labour Relations & Governance Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, company policies, corporate governance requirements, client standards, and Department of Labour audit requirements. Coordinate Labour Relations activities, including disciplinary processes, CCMA preparation, reporting, record management, and adherence to prescribed systems and processes. Identify, manage, and escalate labour-related risks while maintaining current knowledge of labour legislation, bargaining council agreements, wage determinations, and industry developments. Promote constructive labour relations through effective engagement with unions, employee representatives, and key stakeholders. Ensure effective management of health, safety, IOD, and related compliance requirements in accordance with legislative and client standards. Maintain accurate employee documentation and records to support operational governance and internal and external audit readiness. Client & Stakeholder Management Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with key client stakeholders and decision-makers. Ensure service delivery consistently meets contractual obligations, service level expectations, and client requirements. Conduct regular client engagements and site visits, ensuring actions, commitments, and improvement initiatives are documented and tracked. Monitor client feedback and performance indicators, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives where required. Resolve escalated client issues promptly, escalating matters appropriately to ensure effective resolution. Support long-term client retention and partnership growth through proactive stakeholder engagement, service excellence, and operational collaboration. People & Team Leadership Foster a high-performance culture that promotes employee engagement, accountability, productivity, and retention. Lead workforce planning and transformation initiatives to ensure appropriate resourcing and achievement of Employment Equity objectives. Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, and ongoing support to direct reports. Drive talent development, succession planning, individual development planning, and continuous learning initiatives. Ensure compliance with HR policies, procedures, and operational standards while building capable, appropriately trained teams to deliver client and operational requirements.