Location: Rustenburg, South Africa
Department: Programs
Reports to: Branch Manager
1- SCOPE/JOB OBJECTIVE
- We are seeking an Area/Operations Supervisor to join our team at Wabtec Digital Mine.
- This role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality services, driving innovation, and supporting our customers and internal teams.
- The successful candidate will bring expertise, leadership, and a collaborative mindset to help us achieve operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries.
- The Digital Mine business unit focuses on transforming mining operations through advanced digital technologies, including safety systems, productivity solutions, and data-driven insights. Our mission is to help mining companies operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
Staff Management
- Directly manage all site-based staff, including performance and disciplinary actions.
- Plan and manage staff leave, shifts, and fatigue to ensure coverage and compliance.
- Ensure effective staff recall procedures are in place and executed.
- Identify training and development needs for field staff.
- Develop SOPs and Work Instructions in collaboration with the Branch Manager.
- Oversee maintenance, breakdowns, and installation activities.
- Manage site fleet to ensure maintenance and efficient utilization.
- Inspect completed work for quality and compliance.
- Audit job cards for accuracy and standards compliance.
- Track and analyse operational KPIs.
- Prepare weekly and monthly operational reports.
- Implement operational improvement strategies.
- Fulfill duties under MHSA 2.9.2 (Supervisor) and 2.6.1 (Manager) appointments.
- Ensure health and safety compliance and reporting of incidents.
- Conduct and update risk assessments.
- Ensure machinery and equipment safety.
- Maintain accident reporting and investigation systems.
- Oversee staff training and PPE provision.
- Collaborate with HSE Administrator to maintain safety files.
- Ensure staff medicals and inductions are current and recorded.
- Prepare and submit weekly operations reports.
- Collaborate with Account Manager on monthly reporting.
- Manage Control Room operations and ensure timely reporting.
- Perform ad hoc tasks as assigned by management.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing clients.
- Address and resolve client queries and issues promptly.
- Conduct regular client check-ins and meetings.
- Execute project plans from the Branch Manager within scope, budget, and timeline.
- Collaborate with Branch and Account Managers on project activities.
- Build relationships with new clients for upcoming projects.
- Ensure smooth onboarding and integration into the companys client base.
Internal
- Branch Manager project execution, SOP/WI development.
- Account Manager client reporting and coordination.
- HSE Administrator safety compliance and documentation.
- Site Teams staff supervision and operational delivery.
- Control Room Operators daily reporting and incident tracking.
- HR staff performance, training, medicals, and inductions.
- Fleet/Logistics Team vehicle management and allocation.
- Clients relationship management, issue resolution, onboarding.
- Contractors/Service Providers maintenance and installations.
- Regulatory Bodies compliance with MHSA and safety standards.
- Training Providers staff development and certification.
[REMOVE THIS GUIDELINE ONCE DONE: Accountability details the financial impact of the job by identifying the quantity and value of assets, budgets and expenditure for which the job is accountable. It measures the answerability for actions taken on the job for example:
- Refer to Authorities Matrix (ADM-GUI-001)
- Does the position have the right to hire and fire?
- Can it give a pay increase?]
- This role can Hire and Fire
- This role can recommend salary increases but not apply it
- This role can approve claims
- This role can approve leave
- MHSA & Safety Compliance Management
Measurement
Target
MHSA Relevance / Rationale
MHSA Compliance Audit Score (Delegated)
Average score from internal and external audits covering delegated MHSA 2.6.1 duties (risk assessments, safe equipment, incident investigation system).
98% Score
Direct measure of supervisory effectiveness in fulfilling delegated managerial safety obligations.
Safety File & Induction Readiness
Percentage of site-based staff whose mandatory medicals and inductions are current and recorded correctly in the safety file at all times.
100% Compliance
Ensures all staff are legally fit and authorized to work on client sites.
SOP/WI Implementation & Adherence
Percentage of newly created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) successfully implemented and consistently followed by field staff (verified via over-inspection).
95% Adherence
Measures the supervisor's ability to develop and enforce safe, standardized work processes.
Zero Non-Compliance Incidents
Number of accidents, near-misses, or dangerous occurrences directly attributed to a lack of safe supervision (a core 2.9.2 duty).
Zero (0)
Paramount measure of safety leadership and risk mitigation.
- Operational Efficiency & Quality Control
Measurement
Target
Rationale
Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) - Team Average
Average time taken by the entire field team to diagnose and restore system functionality across all breakdown events.
120 Minutes
Measures overall operational response speed and efficiency across all managed sites.
Job Card & Reporting Accuracy
Percentage of submitted job cards and weekly operational reports that pass the internal audit for completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.
98% Accuracy
Ensures proper billing, maintenance history logging, and adherence to internal control processes.
Over-Inspection Completion Rate
Percentage of mandatory system maintenance/installation work over-inspected by the supervisor or Team Lead, as per quality plan.
100% Scheduled Inspections
Confirms compliance with quality standards and effective monitoring of the team's work quality.
Operational Fleet Utilization
Percentage of total available hours that the DotNetix allocated fleet is utilized efficiently for operational tasks (maintenance/installation), excluding downtime.
85% Utilization
Measures effective management and deployment of high-value company assets (vehicles).
- Staff & Resource Management
Measurement
Target
Rationale
Scheduled vs. Actual Staff Coverage
Percentage variance between planned shifts/leave coverage and actual daily staffing levels.
2% Variance
Measures proactive staff planning, fatigue management, and effectiveness of recall procedures.
Technical Competency Improvement
Average score improvement of field staff on mandatory technical skills assessments or training modules.
10% Improvement
Measures the supervisor's ability to identify training needs and drive technical proficiency across the team.
Disciplinary & Conflict Resolution Rate
Percentage of minor disciplinary or conflict issues resolved effectively at the supervisory level without escalation to the Branch Manager/HR.
90% Resolved Locally
Measures leadership capability and effective application of company policy on site.
- Reporting, Strategy & Client Delivery
Measurement
Target
Rationale
Monthly Operational Report Submission
Timeliness of the comprehensive Monthly Operational Report to the Branch Manager and Account Manager.
100%By Deadline
Ensures management and the client relations team have timely, accurate data for strategic decisions.
Improvement Strategy Implementation Rate
Percentage of identified operational improvement strategies (from KPI analysis) that are successfully implemented and show measurable results.
80% Implementation
Measures strategic thinking and the ability to translate data into actionable, beneficial changes.
Project Delivery Time Variance
Average variance between the estimated duration of installation/upgrade projects and the actual completion time.
5% Variance
Measures effective execution, planning accuracy, and adherence to project scope/schedule.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- Valid supervisory and managerial appointments under MHSA (2.9.2 and 2.6.1).
- Certification in Health & Safety or Risk Management (advantageous).
- Valid drivers license.
- Leadership & Staff Management Strong ability to lead teams, manage performance, and resolve conflicts.
- Operational Planning Skilled in scheduling, resource allocation, and fleet management.
- Health & Safety Compliance In-depth understanding of MHSA requirements and safety protocols.
- Reporting & Analysis Proficient in compiling operational reports and tracking KPIs.
- Client Relationship Management Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Project Execution Capable of delivering projects on time and within scope.
- Problem Solving Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
- Technical Knowledge Familiarity with maintenance, installations, and job card auditing.
- Documentation & SOP Development Ability to create and maintain operational procedures and work instructions.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, its not just about a job - its about the impact you make. When our people come together, were Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If youre ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether its freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30, 000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. Were lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. Were building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
Were proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - weve got you.
