Plant Operations Manager - Mining Support Services

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Professional development and growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, South Africa, seeks an experienced Plant Operations Manager to oversee daily plant performance, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will lead on-site teams, coordinate with maintenance, logistics, and sales, and drive efficiency and cost control in a hybrid setting.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Engineering or Operations Management, 8+ years in ops, with 3+ years in leadership, plus proven mining/heavy industry experience; ERP

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Mining) or Operations Management.
• 8+ years in operations management with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in heavy industrial or mining sectors and strong budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations including production, maintenance, logistics, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and environmental policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performance operations team.
• Manage equipment maintenance and minimize downtime.
• Control inventories of parts, materials, and finished goods.
• Track KPIs and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with sales and technical teams to meet client needs.
• Oversee budgets and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

ERP proficiency

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critical provider of support services to the mining sector, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Plant Operations Manager for their facility in **Welkom, Free State**. This senior role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the plant, ensuring efficient production, adherence to stringent safety protocols, and the delivery of high-quality services to mining clients. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in operations management, preferably within an industrial or heavy equipment environment. This position involves a hybrid work arrangement, requiring significant on-site presence for operational oversight and team leadership, while also allowing for remote strategic planning and administrative tasks. You will play a crucial role in optimizing plant performance, managing resources effectively, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to maintain our client's competitive edge in the **Welkom** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, logistics, and health & safety.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operational staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of plant machinery and equipment to minimize downtime.
• Manage inventory levels of spare parts, raw materials, and finished goods.
• Monitor operational performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with the sales and technical departments to ensure client requirements are met.
• Control operational budgets and manage expenditures effectively.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across all plant operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Mining) or Operations Management.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in operations management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in a heavy industrial or mining-related sector.
• Strong understanding of operational efficiency, supply chain management, and maintenance principles.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience managing budgets.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and standard office productivity software.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to effectively manage hybrid work responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a growing company.
• A challenging and rewarding leadership position in **Welkom, Free State**.