Head of Operations - FMCG Manufacturing

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Retirement annuity

Leave allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Head of Operations to oversee FMCG production facilities in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on driving efficiency, quality, and cost control while leading large teams in a safety-conscious environment.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in lean and Six Sigma methodologies, with a proven ability to optimize output, manage budgets, and collaborate across functions to support strategic growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive operations management experience in FMCG.
• Proven track record of large-scale manufacturing operations and productivity gains.
• Extensive knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership, team management, and change management skills.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight of operations.
• Familiarity with production planning, quality assurance, and EHS regulations.
• Willingness to be based in Welkom, Free State, and commit to full-time on-site operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet production targets, quality standards, and cost objectives for FMCG products.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for operational efficiency, process improvement, and capacity expansion.
• Lead and manage production teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Implement and maintain lean manufacturing principles and methodologies to optimize workflows and reduce waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control standards, regulatory requirements, and health and safety protocols.
• Manage the operational budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for savings.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and R&D departments to ensure seamless product flow and innovation.
• Drive performance improvement initiatives through data analysis and the implementation of best practices.
• Oversee capital expenditure projects related to plant and equipment upgrades.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Operations management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturing sector, is actively recruiting for a seasoned Head of Operations to oversee their production facilities in Welkom, Free State. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective operation of all manufacturing processes, driving productivity, and upholding the highest standards of quality. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in operational management within a manufacturing environment, a strong understanding of lean principles, and a proven ability to lead and motivate large teams. You will play a critical role in optimizing production output, managing resources effectively, and contributing to the company's strategic growth. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity based in the heart of the Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure production targets, quality standards, and cost objectives are met for FMCG products.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for operational efficiency, process improvement, and capacity expansion.
• Lead and manage production teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Implement and maintain lean manufacturing principles and methodologies to optimize workflows and reduce waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control standards, regulatory requirements, and health and safety protocols.
• Manage the operational budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for savings.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and R&D departments to ensure seamless product flow and innovation.
• Drive performance improvement initiatives through data analysis and the implementation of best practices.
• Oversee capital expenditure projects related to plant and equipment upgrades.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical), Operations Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in operations management within FMCG manufacturing.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale manufacturing operations and driving significant productivity gains.
• Extensive knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership, team management, and change management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight of operations.
• Familiarity with production planning, quality assurance, and EHS regulations.
• Willingness to be based in Welkom, Free State, and commit to full-time on-site operations.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive executive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as private healthcare, a retirement annuity, and substantial leave allowances.
• The role provides excellent career progression prospects within a leading FMCG manufacturer, coupled with opportunities for professional development and exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies in Welkom.