Senior Deputy Director - Logistics & Packaging #1508

Our client is an established South African business specialising in reusable plastic transport systems for the beverage, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They form part of a well-known international group with over 30 years of experience in the industry and are recognised as pioneers in environmentally friendly business practices, with solid and continued growth across Southern Africa.

The Role

Our client is looking for a strong Deputy Managing Director to support and stand in for the Managing Director at their Johannesburg operations. This is a key leadership role for someone who is hands-on and results driven.

You will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives, managing operational performance, and taking ownership of commercial outcomes, while leading a management team across two Johannesburg sites and one Cape Town site.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operational performance across all business functions
• Identify new market opportunities and develop plans to grow the company's market presence
• Lead and develop the local management team
• Take responsibility for revenue growth, sales performance, profitability, and market development
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders
• Drive the implementation of business strategies to meet company targets
• Represent the Managing Director in strategic and operational matters across Johannesburg and Cape Town
• Ensure the business remains compliant with internal policies and relevant legislation

Requirements

Essential Requirements:

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role
• Experience in pooling systems, logistics packaging, or pallet logistics
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans
• Proven experience in business development and management
• A degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field
• A technical background with experience working up from plant or operations management into leadership roles
• Good negotiation skills
• A passion for sales and a solid understanding of market dynamics
• Experience managing multiple sites
• Willingness to travel, around 30% of the time
• Able to work effectively across cultures and in a fast-moving environment

Preferred:

• Basic German language skills
• Experience in a senior leadership role within an international business

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus
• A competitive salary of ZAR 70,000 per month
• Additional benefits
• A senior role with real responsibility and room to make decisions
• The chance to work in a sustainability-focused industry
• Opportunities to grow both professionally and personally
• A stable business that continues to grow, with strong international backing
• A fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with international exposure
• A flat organisational structure and a team-oriented culture

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers operating in accordance with South African employment legislation. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unfair discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, political opinion, culture, language, birth, or any other arbitrary ground as prohibited by the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended.
Commitment to Employment Equity and Transformation
Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to achieving employment equity and advancing the principles of transformation in the South African workplace. We recognize the imperative to redress the disadvantages experienced by designated groups during apartheid and other discriminatory laws and practices.
Designated Groups: In accordance with the Employment Equity Act, preference may be given to suitably qualified persons from designated groups, which include:

• Black people (African, Coloured, and Indian persons)
• Women
• People with disabilities

Affirmative Action Measures: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients may implement affirmative action measures to achieve equitable representation of designated groups at all occupational levels. Such measures are designed to ensure that suitably qualified people from designated groups have equal employment opportunities and are equitably represented in the workforce.
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)
Keller Executive Search and our clients acknowledge the importance of B-BBEE in contributing to economic transformation in South Africa. Our clients may prioritize candidates from designated groups as part of their B-BBEE commitments and Employment Equity Plans. Where applicable, clients' B-BBEE requirements will be communicated during the recruitment process.
Reasonable Accommodation
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to:

• Individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Technical Assistance Guidelines on the Employment of People with Disabilities and the Code of Good Practice on the Employment of People with Disabilities
• Pregnant employees and those on family responsibility leave
• Individuals requiring accommodation for religious or cultural practices

• We engage in consultation to determine effective, reasonable accommodations that do not impose unjustifiable hardship on the employer.

Compensation and Remuneration Information
For client positions, compensation information may be available in the job posting. If not provided initially, remuneration details will be shared during the interview process. Actual remuneration packages are determined based on:
Skills, qualifications, and relevant experience

• Market-related benchmarks
• Internal equity considerations
• The client's remuneration policy and grading structure

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to equal pay for work of equal value in accordance with the Employment Equity Act.

Compliance with South African Labour Legislation
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable South African labour legislation, including but not limited to:

• The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996

• Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended
• Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, as amended
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997, as amended
• Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000
• Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA)
• Skills Development Act 97 of 1998
• Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, selection, appointment, promotion, transfer, training and development, performance management, remuneration, benefits, discipline, and termination of employment.
Workplace Harassment
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment, including but not limited to harassment based on race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, political opinion, culture, language, or birth.
We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from sexual harassment in accordance with the Code of Good Practice on the Handling of Sexual Harassment Cases and the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace.
Protection of Personal Information (POPIA Compliance)
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients process personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
Applicant Information:

• We collect and process personal information for recruitment and employment purposes only
• Personal information includes contact details, qualifications, employment history, and other information relevant to the application
• Information is stored securely and retained in accordance with legal requirements
• Applicants have the right to access, correct, or delete their personal information, subject to legal and contractual limitations

For more information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please review our POPIA-compliant Privacy Policy at .
Fair Recruitment Practices
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients:

• Use objective, job-related criteria in all selection decisions
• Ensure that all job specifications, advertisements, and application forms do not discriminate unfairly
• Apply consistent selection processes and criteria to all candidates
• Maintain confidentiality of applicant information
• Do not require applicants to disclose their HIV status
• Conduct medical testing only where justified and in accordance with legal requirements

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment:

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. 

HIV/AIDS Policy
In accordance with the Code of Good Practice on Key Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Employment, both Keller Executive Search and our clients:

• Do not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of their HIV status
• Do not require HIV testing as a condition of employment, except in limited circumstances where justified
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding any health information

Foreign Nationals
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. Foreign nationals must possess appropriate work authorization to be employed in South Africa. Candidates will be required to provide proof of their right to work in South Africa during the recruitment process.
Skills Development
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients support skills development initiatives in accordance with the Skills Development Act and the Skills Development Levies Act. We are committed to providing training and development opportunities to employees, with particular focus on designated groups.
Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from alleged unfair discrimination or employment equity matters will be addressed in accordance with the organization's internal grievance procedures and, where applicable, referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) or the Labour Court.
Policy Queries and Complaints
If you have questions about this policy or wish to report a concern regarding discrimination or harassment, please contact:

• Keller Executive Search's designated Employment Equity Officer or Human Resources department
• For client positions, you may also contact the client's Human Resources or Employment Equity department once identified

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment equity requirements, affirmative action measures, and B-BBEE considerations may vary depending on the employer, the specific position, and the employer's Employment Equity Plan. Where positions are designated for candidates from specific designated groups as part of affirmative action measures, this will be clearly indicated in the job advertisement.