Regional Operations Manager

Job description

A Popular Bunch (Pty) LTD - Cape Town Regional Operations Manager Mid-Senior Level Cape Town Full-time permanent Who are we: a Popular Bunch (aPB) is a full-service experiential marketing and brand activation agency - we concept it, fabricate it, and activate it. From Red Bull F1 pop-ups to large-scale trade activations for Heineken, Remy Martin, and Discovery Bank, our campaigns live in the real world. We're a Level 1B-BBEE agency with a national footprint and a reputation for delivering complex, high-energy activations that actually work on the ground. Our Cape Town office is a fast-paced, lean operation - and we need a sharp, hands-on Ops Manager to run it properly. The role: You'll own the day-to-day operations of the aPB Cape Town region. Thats means managing people, assets, vehicles, warehousing, logistics and client facing site work- all at once, without dropping a ball. You'll report to the Cape Town Regional Manager and work closely with the national operations team in Johannesburg. This isn't a desk role. You'll be on-site, in the warehouse, and leading from the front. What you'll be doing: Own and maintain the weekly operations planner - updated daily, no exceptionsPlan, assign, and track daily operational tasks for the Cape Town ops and coordinator teamManage logistics for all upcoming event setup and brand activations - from supplier collections through to on-site executionConduct weekly vehicle inspections and ensure the fleet is road-ready and parked in designated bays at end of dayCoordinate supplier collections and deliveries in line with activation schedulesLead site visits and client-facing operations across the region, including high-profile activations (Red Bull, Heineken and others)Track all POS and brand assets moving in and out of the warehouse - accurate inventory, alwaysInspect POS materials and brand assets for damage; escalate and coordinate repairs or replacements as neededMonitor and manage ops staff overtime and shift efficiencyMaintain accurate clocking records via the Uniclox biometric system and flag any missed-punch issues through the correct approval processUpload and maintain accurate event and activation records in the aPB Loveable ERP systemEnsure all receipts, expense documentation, and purchase orders are submitted accurately and on time via CHASE

Requirements

Degree What we're looking for: 3-5 years' experience in an operations or logistics management role - events, activations, or field marketing industry strongly preferredProven ability to manage a regional team and coordinate multiple activations simultaneouslyStrong inventory management and warehouse coordination experienceExcellent communication and stakeholder management skills - both internal and client-facingHigh attention to detail and a natural ability to juggle moving parts without losing oversightComfortable with digital ops systems - experience with ERP platforms, expense management tools, or time-tracking systems is a plusValid South African driver's licence (essential)Cape Town based with flexibility to travel regionally when requiredBonus points: Experiential / FMCG activations backgroundPOS asset trackingFleet management experienceCHASE or similar expense platformBiometric clocking systemsERP or custom ops platformKey competencies: Leadership and accountabilityProblem-solving under pressureTime management and prioritisationAdaptability in a fast-paced environmentStrong admin and reporting disciplineTeam coordination and clear communication Apply by email: ceanan@apopularbunch.co.za