Rail Siding Operations Management
- Manage day-to-day rail siding operations for coal loading and dispatch.
- Ensure efficient rail wagon loading, staging, shunting coordination, and dispatch activities.
- Monitor operational performance to achieve loading targets and turnaround times.
- Coordinate train schedules with logistics providers and operational teams.
- Ensure optimal utilisation of rail siding infrastructure and equipment.
Coal Handling & Stock Management
- Oversee coal stockpile management and movement within the siding area.
- Ensure correct coal grades are loaded according to customer specifications.
- Monitor stock levels, reconciliations, and material movements.
- Investigate and resolve stock variances and loading discrepancies.
- Ensure proper sampling and quality control processes are followed.
Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all mine health and safety regulations and company safety standards.
- Conduct regular safety inspections, toolbox talks, and risk assessments.
- Enforce safe work procedures for rail, mobile equipment, and loading operations.
- Investigate incidents, near misses, and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure environmental compliance regarding dust suppression, spillage control, and housekeeping.
Logistics & Contractor Coordination
- Liaise with rail operators, transport contractors, and internal departments.
- Coordinate loading schedules and ensure minimal delays or demurrage.
- Manage contractor performance and compliance on site.
- Maintain effective communication with production, dispatch, and planning teams.
Maintenance Coordination
- Coordinate maintenance activities for siding infrastructure and loading equipment.
- Report equipment breakdowns and ensure timely repairs.
- Minimise operational downtime through preventative maintenance planning.
- Monitor equipment availability and operational reliability.
Team Leadership & Supervision
- Supervise rail siding operators, loading teams, and contractors.
- Manage staffing, shift planning, attendance, and performance.
- Train employees on operational procedures and safety requirements.
- Foster a high-performance and safety-focused culture.
Reporting & Administration
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports.
- Monitor KPIs including loading tonnages, turnaround times, delays, safety incidents, and equipment
utilisation.
- Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
- Analyse operational data and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Achievement of daily and monthly loading targets
- Rail wagon turnaround times
- Minimal train delays and demurrage
- Stock accuracy and reconciliation performance
- Compliance with safety and environmental standards
- Equipment uptime and operational availability
- Reduction in operational downtime
- Contractor performance management
- Incident-free operational performance
- Achievement of dispatch schedules
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications:
- Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Mining, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
- Experience
- Minimum 5–8 years’ experience in coal logistics, rail siding, mining, or bulk material handling
operations
- Previous supervisory or management experience essential
- Experience working with rail loading operations and export coal logistics preferred
Knowledge & Technical Skills
- Coal handling and stockpile management
- Rail siding and wagon loading operations
- Bulk materials handling systems
- Safety and environmental legislation
- Operational planning and logistics coordination
- Stock reconciliation and reporting
- MS Office and ERP systems
Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Operational planning and organisational ability
- Problem-solving and decision-making capability
- Strong communication and coordination skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines
- High attention to safety and compliance
- Analytical and reporting capability
- Preferred Experience
- Experience in export coal operations
- Experience working with Transnet rail operations
- Knowledge of wash plant and dispatch operations
- Experience in high-volume mining or terminal environments
