Project Manager – Operational Readiness
Gaborone – South-East – Botswana
Our client, South Rail, is establishing a new private rail freight operations in Botswana and neighbouring countries with a vision to transform rail freight across the region. Through the ongoing investment project, South Rail is developing a service that will redefine how rail logistics operates. South Rail brings a world-class safety and efficiency culture, combined with strong international expertise. You will work alongside experienced global professionals, follow a structured development path, and grow from the project phase into long-term 24/7 operations environment. We are looking for driven, hungry, hands-on leaders who are ready to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Role Overview
This is a high-impact, build-phase leadership role where you will bridge strategy and execution taking a rail freight project from feasibility into full operational readiness and commercial launch. You will play a central role in shaping how the business operates, mobilising resources, and establishing the systems, people, and processes required for a safe, efficient, and reliable rail operation. Responsibilities include driving cost governance, strengthening financial sustainability, enabling digital finance transformation, overseeing financial reporting and compliance, and embedding a culture of performance optimisation and value creation.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Design & Planning (Feasibility Phase): Define and structure the future operating model by translating strategy into a practical, efficient, and executable rail service design.
- Mobilisation & Readiness: Build and coordinate all elements required to transition from planning to execution, ensuring the organisation is fully prepared for operational launch.
- Implementation & Start-Up Execution: Lead the set-up and rollout of operations, including people, systems, and processes, to achieve a successful and controlled commercial start-up.
- Risk & Performance Management: Identify, manage, and mitigate operational risks while establishing performance-driven systems to ensure reliability and continuous improvement.
- Transition to Operations Leadership: Take ownership of the live operation post-launch, driving safety, service delivery, and operational excellence in a 24/7 environment.
Candidate Profile
- You will need a minimum of 8 years’ experience in rail, logistics, terminals, mining supply chains, or similar operational environments
- Proven experience in mobilisation, start-up, or operational ramp-up
- Strong execution mindset: you will take ownership and deliver results.
- A practical, field-oriented leader who builds trust with frontline teams
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity while driving structure and progress
- A clear communicator able to align teams and stakeholders
Why Join South Rail?
- Be part of a once in a lifetime investment project and new operations set up, a transformative rail freight initiative
- Work with experienced international professionals and global best practices
- Build a company from the ground up and grow into a senior leadership role
- Shape the future of logistics and infrastructure in Botswana, and wider in the region
Join a culture built on performance, safety, and pride in execution