OPERATIONS MANAGER

AEL DDS LTD

VACANCY – OPERATIONS MANAGER

Location:  Mauritius & Rodrigues

JOB PURPOSE

To oversee, coordinate and optimise the day-to-day petroleum logistics operations of AEL DDS Ltd, ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective storage, handling, transportation and distribution of petroleum products.

The Operations Manager will be accountable for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of operations, ensuring that all operational departments function in a coordinated manner, with particular emphasis on operational excellence, productivity, resource optimisation, cost control, safety and continuous improvement.

The position requires a proactive, hands-on management approach, strong leadership and the ability to deliver measurable operational improvements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operational Management & Efficiency

• Oversee and coordinate daily petroleum storage, handling, transportation and distribution activities.
• Ensure effective planning and optimal utilisation of manpower, vehicles, equipment and operational resources.
• Oversee activities between the depot, transport operations, filling stations and other operational departments.
• Ensure that timely execution of customer orders and reliable product deliveries.
• Identify operational bottlenecks, eliminate inefficiencies and implement practical solutions.
• Maintain operational readiness and minimise unnecessary downtime, delays and disruptions.

2. Petroleum Storage & Inventory Control

• Oversee petroleum product handling, storage and inventory management procedures.
• Ensure accurate stock reconciliation and investigate inventory discrepancies.
• Monitor product losses, operational wastage and stock variances.
• Ensure adequate stock availability and coordinate replenishment requirements.
• Maintain strict controls over product quality, measurement and accountability.

3. Transport & Fleet Performance

• Supervise efficient scheduling and utilisation of petroleum road tankers and delivery vehicles.
• Monitor vehicle availability, fleet utilisation, maintenance downtime and operating costs.
• Coordinate with the Garage Manager to ensure effective preventive maintenance and fleet reliability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable transport regulations, vehicle licensing and inspection requirements.
• Promote safe driving practices and efficient delivery operations.

4. Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE)

• Ensure strict adherence to company HSSE policies, petroleum handling procedures and applicable regulations.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and zero tolerance for deliberate or serious safety violations.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, spill containment exercises and incident investigations with designated HSSE personnel.
• Ensure timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions arising from incidents, inspections and audits.
• Maintain operational readiness for emergencies and ensure the protection of employees, customers, assets and the environment.

5. Cost Control & Productivity

• Monitor operating expenditure and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Optimise manpower deployment, transport scheduling and equipment utilisation.
• Reduce unnecessary overtime, operational wastage and avoidable maintenance costs.
• Work closely with Finance to monitor operational budgets and cost variances.
• Recommend improvements that enhance productivity without compromising safety, quality or service reliability.

6. Regulatory Compliance & Stakeholder Coordination

• Ensure compliance with applicable petroleum storage, transportation, environmental and operational regulations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with regulatory authorities, suppliers, contractors and customers.
• Coordinate operational inspections, audits and regulatory requirements with relevant departments.
• Ensure operational licences, permits and certifications remain valid in coordination with responsible personnel.
• Represent the company in operational matters when required.

7. Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and monitor operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Prepare weekly operational performance reports highlighting achievements, challenges and corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, introduce appropriate technology and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Promote effective use of ERP systems, operational reporting tools and digital solutions.
• Implement agreed improvement initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.

8. Leadership & Operational Accountability

• Supervise, guide and coordinate operational teams to achieve agreed performance objectives.
• Ensure clear allocation of responsibilities and accountability across operational functions.
• Promote teamwork, discipline, professionalism, and continuous staff development.
• Remain available to respond to operational emergencies and attend operational sites whenever required.
• Report significant operational risks, incidents and performance issues promptly to management.
• Exercise operational authority within approved company policies, budgets and delegated limits.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, or Logistics, Supply Chain Management,
• Relevant HSSE qualifications, such as NEBOSH or equivalent, would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in petroleum logistics, fuel distribution, transport operations, industrial operations or a comparable environment.
• Experience managing operational teams, equipment, budgets and performance.
• Sound understanding of HSSE requirements and operational risk management.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, logistics management applications, Microsoft Excel and operational reporting.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership and operational management capabilities.
• Excellent planning, coordination and organisational skills.
• Commercial awareness and cost-control discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage operational emergencies and work under pressure.
• Effective communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, hands-on and results-oriented approach.
• Commitment to safety, accountability and continuous improvement.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate measurable improvements in:

• Operational efficiency and productivity.
• Fleet availability and utilisation.
• Delivery reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Inventory accuracy and stock-loss prevention.
• Cost control and resource optimisation.
• HSSE compliance and operational risk reduction.
• Timely reporting and implementation of corrective actions.

REPORTING & AUTHORITY

The Operations Manager will report directly to the Managing Director and will have operational oversight of logistics, transport, fleet, garage, depot, storage and filling-station activities.

The position will work closely with HSSE, Finance, Procurement and Administration to ensure coordinated and effective operations.

Significant expenditure, recruitment and major operational decisions will remain subject to the company's approved delegation of authority.

APPLICATION

Interested candidates are invited to submit their motivation letter and CV to:

HR Department
AEL DDS Ltd
Tamarinier Road, Roche Bois, Mauritius

Email: [email protected]

Closing date: 20 November 2026