Operations Lead

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, seeks an experienced Operations Lead to optimize production processes and drive continuous improvement. You will lead a team, ensure safety, quality, and on-time production, and balance day-to-day operations with strategic planning.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering or Operations Management, 5-7+ years in manufacturing, and strong Lean/ISO 9001 knowledge. A hybrid work model is offered to foster collaboration and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Proven experience in managing production processes and teams.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in production planning and scheduling software.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model, balancing on-site supervision with off-site strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are met efficiently.
• Supervise and guide a team of production staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Implement and maintain quality control standards throughout the production process.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions.
• Manage inventory levels and ensure efficient material flow.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as maintenance, logistics, and HR, to ensure smooth operations.
• Train and develop team members to enhance skills and performance.
• Monitor KPIs and report on operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement effective solutions promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Quality management

Production planning

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or Operations Management

Tools

Scheduling software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic manufacturing company, is seeking a proactive and skilled Operations Lead to oversee and optimize production processes in Welkom, Free State. This critical role involves managing daily operational activities, ensuring efficiency, quality control, and adherence to safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, excellent leadership capabilities, and a passion for driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will be responsible for leading a team of production staff, managing resources effectively, and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the plant. This is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact in a growing industrial sector. The focus will be on enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and maintaining high product quality standards. Your leadership will be key to fostering a safe and productive work environment. We are looking for an individual who can effectively balance operational demands with strategic goals, ensuring the long-term success of our client's facility in Welkom. This role offers significant responsibility and the chance to grow within a reputable organization committed to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are met efficiently.
• Supervise and guide a team of production staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Implement and maintain quality control standards throughout the production process.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions.
• Manage inventory levels and ensure efficient material flow.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as maintenance, logistics, and HR, to ensure smooth operations.
• Train and develop team members to enhance skills and performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement effective solutions promptly.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Proven experience in managing production processes and teams.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in production planning and scheduling software.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model, balancing on-site supervision with off-site strategic planning.
• Experience in the mining support industry is a plus for the Free State context.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for further training and career development.
• This role provides a chance to contribute significantly to operational excellence and gain valuable experience in a thriving industrial setting.
• The company is dedicated to employee well-being and fosters a supportive team culture.
• Employees have access to ongoing professional development programs and are encouraged to take on new challenges.
• The hybrid work arrangement allows for a better work-life balance while maintaining operational oversight.
• This is an excellent opportunity for professional growth and to make a lasting impact on the company's success.