Site Manager at Sea Harvest Corporation – Job Overview, Responsibilities and Requirements

Job Summary

Sea Harvest Corporation is seeking an experienced and proactive Site Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of its Viking Airport Depot Cold Stores in Cape Town, Western Cape. This role combines operational management, occupational health and safety (OHS) compliance, facilities oversight, and workforce management to ensure the depot operates efficiently, safely, and in accordance with company standards.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing cold storage operations, supervising staff performance, maintaining regulatory compliance, and coordinating human resources activities in partnership with the HR department

About the Role

The Site Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that the Viking Airport Depot functions effectively as part of Sea Harvest’s supply chain and distribution network. The position requires a hands-on manager who can balance operational efficiency, health and safety compliance, employee management, and administrative responsibilities within a fast-paced logistics and cold storage environment.

The role demands strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to maintaining high operational standards while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees.

Key Responsibilities

Cold Store Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the Airport Depot Cold Stores.
• Ensure efficient storage, handling, and movement of products.
• Monitor operational performance and productivity levels.
• Support the Cold Store Supervisor in achieving operational targets.
• Ensure stock handling procedures meet company and quality standards.
• Coordinate activities to maintain smooth warehouse and depot operations.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management

• Manage and enforce Occupational Health and Safety requirements across the site.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and legal regulations.
• Monitor workplace safety practices and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Promote a strong culture of safety awareness among employees.
• Ensure incident reporting and safety documentation are accurately maintained.

Staff Management and Leadership

• Supervise and support operational staff and supervisors.
• Monitor employee attendance and workforce scheduling.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained.
• Coordinate employee training and development initiatives.
• Foster a productive and positive work environment.
• Address operational workforce challenges promptly and effectively.

Human Resources Coordination

• Work closely with the Viking Fishing Division Human Resources team.
• Manage employee-related matters in accordance with company policies.
• Support disciplinary procedures and performance management processes.
• Assist with employee onboarding and training programs.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and workplace policies.

Facilities Management

• Oversee the maintenance and operational readiness of depot facilities.
• Ensure equipment and infrastructure remain safe and functional.
• Coordinate maintenance activities when required.
• Identify facility improvement opportunities that enhance operational efficiency.

Administrative Management

• Maintain operational records and documentation.
• Monitor compliance reports and safety records.
• Ensure accurate reporting of site activities.
• Support business operations through effective administrative controls.

Core Objectives of the Position

The Site Manager is expected to:

• Ensure efficient cold storage and depot operations.
• Maintain high standards of occupational health and safety.
• Manage and develop operational staff.
• Support compliance with labour legislation and company policies.
• Maintain operational continuity and productivity.
• Ensure facilities remain safe and operational.
• Deliver excellent administrative and operational oversight.

Essential Skills Required

Leadership Skills

• Ability to lead teams effectively.
• Strong supervisory and management capabilities.
• Ability to motivate and develop employees.
• Confidence in handling operational challenges and decision-making.

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Capacity to build positive relationships with employees and stakeholders.

Administrative Skills

• Strong record-keeping and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Operational Management Skills

• Understanding of warehouse and cold storage operations.
• Ability to coordinate daily operational activities.
• Experience managing logistics or supply chain-related environments.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities.

Health and Safety Skills

• Knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations.
• Experience implementing OHS programs and compliance measures.
• Ability to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

Human Resource Management Skills

• Knowledge of labour legislation and workplace regulations.
• Experience managing employee relations issues.
• Understanding of workforce planning and attendance management.
• Ability to coordinate training and development initiatives.

Desired Experience

Successful candidates should demonstrate experience in:

• Site Management
• Warehouse Operations
• Cold Storage Management
• Logistics and Supply Chain Operations
• Occupational Health and Safety Management
• Employee Supervision and Team Leadership
• Facilities Management
• Labour Relations and Workforce Management

Knowledge Requirements

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Candidates should possess:

• Strong practical OHS experience
• Knowledge of workplace safety regulations
• Risk management and incident prevention expertise
• Compliance monitoring experience

Labour Law

Applicants should have:

• Working knowledge of South African labour legislation
• Experience applying labour laws in the workplace
• Understanding of disciplinary and employee relations processes
• Familiarity with workplace compliance requirements

Facilities Management

Knowledge of:

• Building and facility maintenance
• Operational infrastructure management
• Preventative maintenance principles
• Facility safety standards

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be:

Proactive

• Anticipates challenges before they arise.
• Takes initiative to improve operations.
• Focuses on continuous improvement.

Results-Oriented

• Driven to achieve operational objectives.
• Maintains productivity under pressure.
• Ensures deadlines and targets are met.

Adaptable

• Able to work in a dynamic operational environment.
• Comfortable handling changing priorities.
• Willing to work after-hours and weekends when operationally required.

Professional

• Demonstrates integrity and accountability.
• Maintains high standards of conduct.
• Leads by example.

Why This Role Matters

The Site Manager is essential to maintaining the efficiency, safety, and reliability of Sea Harvest’s airport depot operations. By overseeing cold store activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing staff, and maintaining operational standards, the role directly contributes to product integrity, customer satisfaction, and supply chain performance.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for experienced operations professionals seeking a leadership role within one of South Africa’s leading fishing and food production companies.