Automotive Operations Leader — Lean, JIT, CI Excellence

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental保险.

Generous retirement fund contribution.

Paid vacation and company holidays.

Opportunities for advanced training

Employee assistance program and welll-

Career progression within a global org

Challenging and rewarding work环境

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Operations Manager to lead manufacturing activities in Randburg, Gauteng. You will direct daily operations, mentor supervisors, and drive lean improvements to boost efficiency while maintaining IATF 16949 standards.

You will manage budgets, coordinate with engineering and quality teams, and focus on safety and KPI-driven performance. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial) or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management within the automotive manufacturing sector.
• Experience leading teams and managing production facilities in the Gauteng region.
• In-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of automotive quality standards (IATF 16949).
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs, and drive operational efficiency.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP software.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and high-quality work environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work extended hours as needed."],
• job_responsibilities_description":["Oversee daily manufacturing operations to meet targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules consistently.","Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors and staff, fostering high performance and safety.","Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.","Ensure adherence to IATF 16949 and all relevant safety and environmental regulations.","Manage departmental budgets, control operational expenditures, and optimize resource allocation for maximum efficiency.","Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and maintenance to resolve operational issues and drive improvements.","Monitor KPIs for production, efficiency, safety, and quality, implementing corrective actions as needed.","Drive initiatives to improve workplace safety and employee well-being on the production floor.","Manage inventory levels and material flow to support efficient production sched
• CoT_job_summary_short$0:
• CoT_job_summary_short
• job_summary_short
• COMPANY NAME: Placements24KEY POINTS: Automotive manufacturing leadership, Lean/Six Sigma, Gauteng operations
• job_summary_short:

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to meet targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules consistently.
• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors and operational staff, fostering a culture of high performance and safety.
• Implement and manage lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality management systems (e.g., IATF 16949) and all relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage departmental budgets, control operational expenditures, and optimize resource allocation for maximum efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and maintenance departments to resolve operational issues and drive improvements.
• Monitor KPIs for production, efficiency, safety, and quality, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Drive initiatives to improve workplace safety and employee well-being on the production floor.
• Manage inventory levels and material flow to support efficient production scheduling.
• Participate in strategic planning for capacity, technology upgrades, and new product introductions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial) or related field

Tools

MES

ERP software

Job description

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Operations Manager to lead manufacturing activities in Randburg, Gauteng. You will direct daily operations, mentor supervisors, and drive lean improvements to boost efficiency while maintaining IATF 16949 standards.

You will manage budgets, coordinate with engineering and quality teams, and focus on safety and KPI-driven performance. A valid driver’s license is required.