Director - Regional Manufacturing

Defy Appliances; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading appliance manufacturing company in Durban is seeking a Director – Regional Manufacturing to oversee operations, drive performance, and foster innovation. This role demands strong leadership in a unionized environment and entails strategic planning to optimize production and resources. Ideal candidates should have over 15 years of experience in manufacturing and a focus on continuous improvement and safety. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the industry.

Benefits

Empowering work culture

Opportunity for innovation and growth

Qualifications

• 15+ years in unionized retail manufacturing with proven leadership in large-scale operations.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale production facilities and achieving KPIs.
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize manufacturing operations to meet customer demand.
• Drive performance across key metrics like safety, quality, cost.
• Foster continuous improvement through Lean and Six Sigma.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Change Management

HSE Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial or Operations Management

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Lean Tools

TPM

Job description

Are you a visionary manufacturing leader ready to shape the future of operational excellence?

We’re seeking a Director – Regional Manufacturing in Durban (Jacobs) to lead strategic oversight of our manufacturing operations, drive performance, and champion innovation across our regional sites.

The Director-Regional Manufacturing role involves developing and implementing production strategies, optimizing schedules, and managing capacity and resources to meet customer demand efficiently. The role develops and fosters technological advancement, implements investment plans, and reports to Senior leadership on performance, plans, and challenges, ensuring the site’s overall success and sustainability.

This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where safety, quality, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.

Core Functions

• Lead and optimize manufacturing operations to meet customer demand and business goals.
• Drive performance across key metrics: safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Champion a world-class safety culture and ensure full HSE compliance.
• Foster continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced technologies.
• Develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning, and empowerment.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and deliver sustained financial improvements.
• Oversee asset reliability, maintenance, and capital investment projects.
• Build strong relationships with employees, unions, and community stakeholders.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial or Operations Management (master’s preferred).
• 15+ years in unionized retail manufacturing with proven leadership in large-scale operations.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and digital transformation.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale production facilities and achieving KPIs (quality, cost, delivery, safety).
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen.
• Ability to foster teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Experience in change management and digital transformation initiatives.
• Exceptional people leadership, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills.
• Deep understanding of HSE, compliance, and quality standards.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a purpose-driven multinational organization leading in innovation and sustainability.
• Lead transformative initiatives that shape the future of manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams.
• Enjoy a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous growth.

Ready to lead with impact?
Apply now and take the next step in your leadership journey.

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About Defy Appliances

Defy Appliancesis a South African manufacturing company and is the largest manufacturer and distributor of major domestic appliances insouthern Africa.The company manufactures and develops a range of large appliances fromgas stoves,refrigerators,washing machinesandtumble dryersto continuous clean ovens andconvection ovens.

It currently operates two factories:

• Jacobs (Durban) - manufactures free-standing stoves, built-in ovens and hobs, tumble dryers.
• Ezakheni (Ladysmith) - manufactures electric chest freezers and electric refrigerators.

Defy Appliances was founded in the 1905in Wentworth, KwaZulu-Natal by John Skinner and Sir Benjamin Greenacre. The company manufactured its first product,electric stoves, in 1932.The Durban Falkirk Iron Company (DFI, now DEFY) moved the foundry from Jacobs to Newcastle around 1987.In July 2011, the company was purchased byTurkishbasedArçelik as part of its plan to expand into emerging markets in Africa.

Defy has earned the right to be called an iconic brand in South Africa, engendering a long-lasting, loyal relationship with our consumers over the past 117 years. Our brand is greater than our products or services – it has an immensely strong influence not only on consumers but also on the entire appliance and electronics industry.

Through a strong focus on R&D, Defy continues to design and develop new products, keeping the brand relevant and aspirational. Defy has always been a pioneer in the large appliance market, with innovation and technological advancement being the main thrust of its product development. With products focused on good nutrition, water and energy efficiency, Defy strives to ensure that our consumers live better lives