CAR WASH OPERATIONS MANAGER

Location: Kuils River, Cape Town

Industry: Retail / Automotive Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Urgency: Immediate

Environment: Automated Car Wash

Introduction

Our client in Kuils River, Cape Town is seeking a highly organised, hands‑on and operationally strong Car Wash Operations Manager to oversee the full performance, efficiency and profitability of an automated car wash facility.

This role requires a leader who can manage staff, ensure exceptional customer service, maintain equipment, control stock and consumables, uphold safety standards, and drive both operational and financial performance. The ideal candidate is disciplined, detail‑focused, and able to manage a fast‑paced environment with confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Daily Operations — Manage day‑to‑day operations of the car wash

• Staffing & Scheduling — Ensure adequate staffing and allocate daily duties

• Workflow Efficiency — Monitor workflow, turnaround times and operational bottlenecks

• Process Compliance — Ensure all operating procedures and service standards are followed

• Operational Improvements — Implement efficiency and productivity improvements

• Facility Management — Maintain clean, organised and professional operational areas

Sales & Financial Management

• Sales Targets — Achieve agreed sales and revenue targets

• Performance Monitoring — Track daily, weekly and monthly sales

• Upselling — Promote additional services, packages and promotions

• Expense Control — Control operational expenses and minimise wastage

• Cash Management — Ensure strict cash‑handling procedures and investigate discrepancies

• Financial Reporting — Review daily financial and operational reports

Staff Management

• Recruitment & Onboarding — Recruit, select and onboard employees

• Performance Management — Monitor attendance, punctuality and performance

• Training — Identify training needs and ensure employees are trained before operating equipment

• Discipline — Maintain discipline and ensure compliance with company policies

• Team Culture — Promote teamwork, accountability and professional conduct

Customer Service

• Customer Experience — Ensure consistently high standards of customer service

• Complaint Handling — Handle and investigate customer complaints

• Customer Relationships — Build relationships with regular customers and encourage repeat business

Quality Control

• Service Quality — Ensure vehicles receive the correct services and meet quality standards

• Inspections — Conduct regular quality inspections

• Corrective Action — Investigate quality issues and implement corrective action

Equipment & Maintenance

• Equipment Care — Ensure all automated car wash equipment is maintained and operational

• Fault Reporting — Report faults and coordinate preventative maintenance

• Safety Use — Ensure employees use equipment safely and correctly

Stock & Consumables Management

• Stock Control — Manage stock levels of chemicals, detergents and consumables

• Stock Counts — Conduct regular stock counts and investigate variances

• Waste Monitoring — Monitor waste and excessive usage

Health & Safety

• Safety Compliance — Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety requirements

• PPE Management — Ensure PPE is provided and used

• Hazard Control — Address spills, hazards and unsafe conditions immediately

• Incident Reporting — Report accidents and maintain safety records

Housekeeping & Environmental Management

• Premises Cleanliness — Ensure premises are clean and presentable

• Waste Disposal — Ensure proper waste collection and disposal

• Water & Chemical Management — Monitor water usage and ensure responsible chemical handling

Administration & Reporting

• Operational Reporting — Prepare daily, weekly and monthly operational reports

• Record Keeping — Maintain accurate employee, stock, equipment and operational records

• Management Meetings — Attend meetings and provide operational updates

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and people management

• Excellent customer service

• Strong organisational and operational skills

• Financial and commercial awareness

• Problem‑solving and decision‑making

• Conflict management

• Ability to work under pressure

• Strong attention to detail

• Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office)

• Ability to analyse operational and sales information

• Ability to motivate and manage a diverse workforce

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric

• Qualification in Operations Management, Business Management, Retail Management (advantageous)

• 3–5 years’ experience in a management position

• Experience in a car wash environment (advantageous)

• Ability to work weekends, public holidays and peak periods

Comfortable working in outdoor, wet and fast‑paced conditions