Executive Head of Operations & AI-Driven Manufacturing

Recruitpro Solutions; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 3,750,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruitpro Solutions in South Africa is seeking an experienced executive to own the group's operating model end-to-end—from customer order to delivered, invoiced product. You will drive cross-functional process design, eliminate unowned activities, and hold leaders accountable for integrated performance.

You will act as the executive owner of core systems (ERP, work management, automation), lead cost-reduction, capacity planning, and readiness to scale into new markets and entities, reporting on

Qualifications

• BEng, BSc Engineering or BTech (mechanical, industrial or manufacturing); postgraduate qualification advantageous
• 15+ years in industrial manufacturing and operations, including 5+ years at executive/multi-site level with full P&L accountability
• Proven ownership of manufacturing, supply chain AND quality together across a full order-to-delivery chain
• ERP change leadership experience (SYSPRO, SAP, JD Edwards or equivalent) as business owner, not just user
• Hands-on experience applying AI, automation and workflow tools to operations, with quantified results
• Experience in mixed-process, engineered or make-to-order manufacturing (fabrication, polymer processing, machining, assembly)
• Strong grounding in lean manufacturing, S&OP, ISO 9001, and South African labour and OHS legislation
• Financial literacy covering standard costing, variance analysis and capital appraisal
• Travel required (incl. China, ~25-35%)

Responsibilities

• Owning the group's operating model end-to-end - from customer order to delivered, invoiced product. You'll drive cross-functional process design, eliminate duplicated or unowned activity, hold functional leaders accountable for integrated performance, and act as executive business owner of core operating systems (ERP, work management, automation).
• You'll also lead cost-reduction, capacity planning, and the group's readiness to scale into new markets and entities.

Skills

Executive leadership

P&L accountability

Lean manufacturing

S&OP

AI/automation in ops

Cross-functional collaboration

Cost analysis

Education

BEng

BSc Engineering

BTech (mechanical)

Tools

SYSPRO

SAP

JD Edwards

Job description

Recruitpro Solutions in South Africa is seeking an experienced executive to own the group's operating model end-to-end—from customer order to delivered, invoiced product. You will drive cross-functional process design, eliminate unowned activities, and hold leaders accountable for integrated performance.

You will act as the executive owner of core systems (ERP, work management, automation), lead cost-reduction, capacity planning, and readiness to scale into new markets and entities, reporting on