Director of Operations - Manufacturing

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Company car or car allowance

Paid time off

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a dynamic Director of Operations - Manufacturing to lead a state-of-the-art facility in Richards Bay. The role oversees production planning, efficiency initiatives, and cost management while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The candidate should have a strong background in lean, Six Sigma, and ERP/MES environments, with 10+ years in manufacturing and 5+ in senior leadership. Hybrid work and strategic collaboration are key components of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or related technical field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Extensive experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and technologies relevant to the industry.
• Experience managing plant operations in Richards Bay or similar industrial environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site leadership with strategic planning.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and MES.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Manage the manufacturing budget, ensuring cost control and optimizing resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing and operational teams.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage relationships with suppliers of raw materials and components.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and capital expenditure planning for the facility.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on new product introductions and process improvements.
• Drive operational excellence and foster a culture of safety and quality throughout the plant.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Manufacturing processes

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SAP

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct , is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Director of Operations - Manufacturing to lead our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Richards Bay . This senior executive role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards, production efficiency, and cost management. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in manufacturing processes, lean methodologies, and operational excellence within the industrial sector of KwaZulu-Natal . This hybrid role demands a leader who can effectively manage on-site production teams while also driving strategic initiatives through remote collaboration. You will be pivotal in enhancing productivity, implementing new technologies, and maintaining a safe and efficient working environment. We seek a proven leader capable of driving continuous improvement and achieving ambitious production targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Manage the manufacturing budget, ensuring cost control and optimizing resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing and operational teams.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage relationships with suppliers of raw materials and components.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and capital expenditure planning for the facility.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on new product introductions and process improvements.
• Drive operational excellence and foster a culture of safety and quality throughout the plant.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Extensive experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and technologies relevant to the industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing plant operations in Richards Bay or similar industrial environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site leadership with strategic planning.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Benefits

Our client is committed to attracting top talent and offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes a highly competitive annual salary and a performance-based bonus structure that rewards excellence. A robust health insurance plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, is provided. A generous retirement fund with significant employer contributions is part of the package. Opportunities for executive leadership development, advanced manufacturing training, and attendance at industry conferences are available. This role includes a company vehicle or a car allowance and reimbursement for business-related travel within the region. You will receive substantial paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays. Our client also supports ongoing professional development and provides access to advanced manufacturing technologies. The role offers the opportunity to lead a significant operation and shape the future of manufacturing for the company.