General Manager Operations
Viva Energy Australia · Newport
Company Description
Liberty Oil Australia have a proud history of truly independent fuel retail and distribution in Australia. We operate a regional network of fuel depots and distribute hundreds of millions of litres of fuel a year, making Liberty one of the largest wholesalers operating across Australia.
The company strives to give the best service, the most reliable supply and the best deal for their customers. Given their history, they know the Australian fuel industry well. They’re long-term players who are proud of their flexibility, their agility and their ability to do whatever it takes to provide the most competitive and most reliable fuel supply to their customers across the country.
Whilst Liberty Oil is owned by Viva Energy Australia, one of Australia’s leading energy companies, it remains at its core an independent wholesale subsidiary with the advantage of being able to obtain support from the broader Viva Energy network.
Job Description
The General Manager Operations is accountable for a team of 6 direct reports, regional operations managers and admin functions, 200+ indirect reports, 120+ Trucks for the safe, reliable and commercially effective delivery of Liberty Rural’s transport operations. The role leads transport and scheduling workforce to ensure customer demand is met, company assets are protected and the operation supports the broader objectives of the business.
The role provides visible leadership across national operations, sets clear operational standards, drives consistent execution and develops capable teams. It balances safety, customer service, asset utilisation, labour efficiency, cost control and regulatory compliance while maintaining the agility required in a dynamic fuel distribution environment.
Ensuring Safe and Compliant Operations
- Provide visible safety leadership making the welfare of employees, contractors, customers and the public the first priority.
- Ensure operations comply with company policies, procedures, legislative obligations and approved risk controls.
- Lead the reporting, investigation and close-out of incidents, hazards and near misses, ensuring corrective actions are completed within agreed timeframes.
- Maintain effective operational risk registers and assurance activities, including field inspections, toolbox meetings, audits and verification of critical controls.
- Lead corrective action arising from audits, regulator interactions, incidents or assurance reviews.
People leadership and workforce planning
- Lead, coach and develop managers, schedulers, administrators, drivers and other operational employees to deliver safe and effective operations.
- Set clear expectations, accountabilities and performance measures and provide regular feedback, recognition and development support.
- Oversee workforce planning activities, rostering, leave planning, payroll inputs, succession planning and capability requirements.
- Participate in recruitment, selection, onboarding, performance management and, where required, termination processes for operational employees.
- Build a practical, collaborative culture that values accountability, teamwork, sound judgement, timely decisions and continuous improvement.
Transport, scheduling and customer Support
- Lead safe, reliable and efficient transport and scheduling activities across Liberty Rural Operational Teams .
- Working with the State based teams balance customer priorities, available fleet, driver hours, product availability and route constraints to deliver practical daily and longer-term operating plans.
- Establish escalation and contingency arrangements for supply disruptions, equipment breakdowns, seasonal demand peaks and other operational constraints.
- Work closely with commercial and customer-facing teams to maintain service levels and communicate material delivery risks early.
Commercial and financial performance
- Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasts and cost-control plans.
- Monitor labour, overtime, subcontractor, maintenance, fleet and cartage costs and take timely action where performance varies from plan.
- Improve operational productivity without compromising safety, compliance, asset integrity or customer service.
- Support business growth by assessing operational capacity, fleet requirements, depot capability and delivery economics.
- Provide clear operational reporting, analysis and recommendations to the leadership tea
Qualifications
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience in transport, fuel distribution, logistics, fleet, depot or comparable high-risk operations.
- Strong working knowledge of heavy vehicle operations, including fatigue, mass, load restraint and road transport compliance.
- Working knowledge of dangerous goods transport and handling requirements and operational safety management systems.
- Experience leading geographically dispersed teams and managing operational performance through frontline leaders.
- Demonstrated capability in fleet strategy, asset lifecycle management, maintenance, scheduling and operational cost control.
- Commercial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, supplier management and data-led decision-making.
- Strong judgement, problem-solving, negotiation, conflict-resolution and stakeholder communication skills.
- Ability to lead calmly and decisively during time-critical disruptions, incidents and competing customer priorities.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in business, logistics, transport, engineering, operations or a related discipline is desirable.
- Relevant licences, certifications or accreditations required to visit and work safely within operational sites must be maintained.
Additional Information
You will have the opportunity to join a fast paced, growth focused organisation and take the important next step in your career. This is your opportunity to join a large SA based organisation with a national footprint, you will be offered real career growth and a challenging, rewarding environment.
If you believe you fit this role, please submit your CV and Cover Letter by clicking the 'apply now' button below.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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