Wikus Krüger

Senior Operations Manager with extensive experience leading multi-site operations, workforce teams exceeding 250 employees, and complex production and facilities environments. Recognised for turning around underperforming operations, developing high-performing teams, strengthening operational discipline and improving business performance through workforce development, system optimisation and strategic leadership. Experienced in operational strategy, budgeting, labour relations, SHE compliance, facilities management and organisational change, with a proven track record of delivering sustainable operational and financial results.

Senior Operations Manager at DFS Process Solutions (2025-02 – 2026-04)

Provide strategic and operational leadership across Service, Spares, Scheduling and Branch Operations, ensuring operational efficiency, compliance and business continuity across multiple locations.

• Improved operational alignment between multiple departments including Service & Spares.
• Strengthened operational controls, compliance standards and workflow efficiency across multiple business functions.
• Partner with directors on operational planning, performance reporting and strategic execution initiatives.
• Coordinate operational activities across Johannesburg and Cape Town operations to improve workflow continuity and service delivery.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements to strengthen productivity and interdepartmental alignment.
• Manage profitability tracking and GP performance analysis within the Service Department.
• Oversee branch operational administration including creditor-related processes and petty cash controls.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, operational standards, disciplinary frameworks, and SHE requirements.
• Oversee operational facilities standards including safety, hygiene, housekeeping, and asset management.
• Manage operational assets including vehicles, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and technical equipment.
• Provide operational reporting, planning and strategic support to directors and executive leadership.
• Drive operational continuity, workforce planning and service delivery optimisation initiatives.

North West Area Operations Manager at Eagles Pride Hatchery (Pty) Ltd (2024-03 – 2025-01)

Directed multi-site operational activities across five operations, including four fully developed operations and one developing facility. Accountable for operational performance, production targets, workforce leadership, compliance standards, and operational process alignment across a workforce of 250+ employees.

• Redesigned site operational structures through the implementation of role-specific responsibilities, workforce allocation systems and shift-planning frameworks, improving accountability, workforce capability and operational continuity across multiple bio secure facilities.
• Strengthened stock control and inventory management through the implementation of structured tracking systems, allocation controls and monthly reporting mechanisms, improving accountability and visibility of operational resources.
• Reduced supervisory workload and improved workforce effectiveness through the introduction of structured operational roles, enhanced training programmes and clearly defined accountability frameworks.
• Led operational activities across multiple facilities with responsibility for operational & production continuity, KPI achievement, compliance, and workforce performance.
• Managed a workforce of approximately 254 employees across five operational sites, ensuring operational consistency, workforce accountability and KPI achievement.
• Contributed to annual budgeting, operational forecasting and Capex planning across multiple operational sites.
• Played a key role in stabilising underperforming operations through strengthened leadership structures and operational controls.
• Implemented operational improvements that enhanced workflow coordination, operational consistency and cross-functional collaboration.
• Conducted operational audits and compliance inspections to maintain company standards.
• Strengthened communication structures between operational teams and senior leadership.
• Led succession planning and workforce development initiatives to strengthen operational capability.
• Responsible for operational reporting and performance feedback to senior management.
• Managed both hard and soft services within operational facilities.
• Maintained labour relations compliance, disciplinary procedures, and employment equity standards.
• Played a key role in establishing operational foundations for developing facilities and long-term operational sustainability.

Facility Manager at Eagles Pride Hatchery (Pty) Ltd (2022-01 – 2024-02)

Managed day-to-day facility operations, production coordination, maintenance activities, budgeting support, facilities oversight, compliance, and workforce leadership within a complex operational environment.

• Led the turnaround of a developing facility through structured workforce training, leadership development and performance management initiatives, transforming the operation into one of the top-performing facilities within the Eagles Pride Group within 18 months.
• Developed internal leadership capability that resulted in multiple promotions, including the progression of a junior maintenance employee into an Assistant Manager role and the advancement of supervisors into senior leadership positions.
• Improved key operational KPI's including hatchability, chick quality, production performance, audit compliance, biosecurity standards and service delivery through workforce development, structured training programmes and strengthened operational controls.
• Reduced workforce performance issues, dismissals and operational disruption through continuous training, coaching and employee development initiatives, creating a highly capable and self-managing workforce.
• Developed and mentored an Assistant Manager, 3 Supervisors, 3 Assistant Supervisors and approximately 81 employees, strengthening workforce capability and succession planning.
• Developed future leadership capability that contributed to multiple internal promotions across supervisory, management and operational leadership positions.
• Maintained facility profitability during the 2023 Avian Influenza crisis through disciplined cost management, expenditure controls and operational efficiencies during one of the most challenging periods in company history.
• Implemented structured purchasing controls and expenditure approval processes that strengthened financial accountability and supported sustainable operational performance during a period of significant industry disruption.
• Directed a workforce of approximately 81 employees across production, maintenance, distribution and support functions while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance standards.
• Managed operational expenditure controls while contributing to annual budgeting, forecasting, Capex planning and stock management activities.
• Oversaw production scheduling, maintenance coordination, and operational deadline management.
• Managed facilities, infrastructure, and operational assets to maintain operational continuity and compliance standards.
• Coordinated service providers, contractors, and maintenance activities in line with operational requirements and company procedures.
• Contributed to the establishment and development of new operational facilities and infrastructure projects.
• Maintained high standards of SHE compliance, biosecurity and operational continuity (SOP's).
• Chaired and initiated disciplinary processes while ensuring compliance with labour legislation and company procedures.
• Implemented operational improvements relating to maintenance scheduling, risk identification, and facilities management.
• Led operational meetings including SHE, workforce, accommodation, and supervisory structures.
• Improved operational efficiency, team performance and compliance standards within the facility.

Assistant Manager / Trainee Assistant Manager at Eagles Pride Hatchery (Pty) Ltd (2021-04 – 2021-12)

Provided operational leadership support across maintenance planning, facilities management, inspections, risk management, reporting and operational coordination activities.

• Assisted with day-to-day operational management and facilities coordination.
• Supported maintenance scheduling, risk prioritisation, and operational inspections.
• Assisted with operational reporting, workflow planning, and departmental coordination.
• Conducted inspections relating to operational quality, facilities, security, and safety.
• Supported implementation of water and waste management initiatives.
• Assisted with compliance monitoring and operational procedure implementation.
• Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to improve operational effectiveness.
• Participated in leadership and operational development training programmes.

General Operations & Logistics Assistant at Torrey Incorporated (2017 – 2020)

Supported feed planning, logistics coordination, maintenance activities, and operational support functions within a large-scale dairy operation.

• Feed planning and nutritional programme support for large-scale dairy operations.
• Maintenance support on vehicles, buildings, barns, and operational equipment.
• Logistics coordination and operational support.
• Inventory support and operational maintenance activities.

Manager / Assistant Manager at Thajana Group (2016 – 2017)

• Managed livestock operations, maintenance activities, operational records, feed programmes, stock control, and workforce supervision.

Manager at TMPJ Snyman / Woodstock Game Ranch / Fire Champ Products CC (2013 – 2016)

• Managed manufacturing operations, logistics coordination, stock control, quality inspections, maintenance activities, workforce supervision, and distribution processes.

BCom in Information Science (NQF 7) – UNISA – University of South Africa (2024 – 2027)

National Certificate in Information Technology – MCPD Systems Development (Level 5) – CTU Training Solutions (2011)

Certificate in Workplace Leadership & Business Management – NOVA (2022 – 2023)

Certificates in Disciplinary Hearings – Chairing & Initiator – Kuipers Group

Grade 12 in National Senior Certificate – ACVO Derby (2008)