Automotive Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Meal subsidies

Vehicle purchase program

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Automotive Plant Operations Manager in Pretoria. You will oversee daily plant operations, drive lean initiatives, manage schedules and resources, and lead a diverse team to meet production targets while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The role requires a strong background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and high-volume automotive production, with excellent leadership and communication skills to liaise across engineering, quality and HR teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in automotive manufacturing operations management.
• Lean/Six Sigma experience and continuous improvement focus.
• Experience leading large production teams in high-volume environments.
• Strong understanding of automotive production processes and supply chain dynamics.
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Experience with production planning software/ERP.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage daily plant operations, including production scheduling and resource allocation.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance product quality.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance and uphold company policies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of supervisors and staff.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to meet targets.
• Oversee inventory management and supply chain coordination.
• Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Manage capital expenditure projects for equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality and employee engagement.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality Assurance and HR to ensure smooth operations.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team leadership

ERP systems

Production planning

Data analysis

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Master's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major automotive manufacturing facility located in Pretoria , is seeking an experienced and results-driven Automotive Plant Operations Manager. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant production, ensuring operational efficiency, quality standards, and the safety of our workforce. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in lean manufacturing, process optimization, and team leadership within a high-volume automotive production environment. You will play a critical role in driving continuous improvement initiatives, managing resources effectively, and achieving production targets. This is a key position within our operational structure, contributing significantly to the company's success in the competitive automotive market.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage daily plant operations, including production scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of production supervisors and associates.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to meet production targets.
• Oversee inventory management and supply chain coordination to ensure timely material availability.
• Implement and champion lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Manage capital expenditure projects related to plant equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and employee engagement throughout the plant.
• Liaise with other departments, including Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Human Resources, to ensure smooth operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in automotive manufacturing operations management.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large teams in a production environment.
• Strong understanding of automotive production processes, quality standards, and supply chain dynamics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems.
• Ability to analyze complex operational data and implement effective solutions.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary package of up to R per annum , along with performance-based bonuses and potential for advancement. Our client provides a dynamic and challenging work environment within a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pretoria . Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, provident fund, life insurance, and opportunities for extensive professional development and leadership training. Employees also benefit from subsidized meals and preferential vehicle purchase programs. Join a leading automotive player and make a significant impact on our operational success.