FMCG Operations Manager - East London

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for our client in East London, Eastern Cape. You will oversee production planning, inventory control, warehousing, logistics, and budget management in a hybrid on-site/remote setting.

The ideal candidate has 6–8 years in FMCG operations, strong leadership, and expertise in Lean/Six Sigma, ERP systems, and cost optimization to drive efficiency and quality across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field.
• 6–8 years in operations management in FMCG.
• Proven track record managing production, supply chain, and logistics.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement.
• Understanding of budgeting and financial management.
• Experience with ERP and SCM software.
• Willing to relocate to East London, SA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations including production planning, inventory, warehousing, and logistics.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Lead, mentor, and develop an ops team.
• Ensure HSE regulations compliance.
• Manage budgets and P&L, identify cost savings.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Procurement for integration.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvements.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions.
• Manage supplier and service provider relationships.
• Drive innovation in processes and technology.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Continuous improvement

Financial management

Budgeting

ERP systems

Supply chain software

Education

Bachelor's in Operations Management

MBA

Tools

ERP systems

SCM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and expanding entity in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Operations Manager to oversee their operations in **East London**, Eastern Cape. This critical role involves managing and optimizing all aspects of the company's operational activities, including production, supply chain, logistics, and warehousing, to ensure efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a strong leadership background, a deep understanding of FMCG operations, and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on the operational success of a leading FMCG organization in **South Africa**. The role is based in **East London** and operates on a hybrid model, balancing essential on-site leadership with remote management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily operations, including production planning, inventory control, warehousing, and logistics.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage operational budgets and P&L responsibilities, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Sales, Marketing, and Procurement, to ensure seamless integration of operations.
• Implement and champion continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Monitor operational performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and service providers.
• Drive innovation in operational processes and technology adoption.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in operations management, with a significant portion in the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operational environments, including production, supply chain, and logistics.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Solid understanding of financial management and budgeting.
• Experience with ERP systems and supply chain management software.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **East London**, Eastern Cape, **South Africa**.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment, balancing site presence with remote oversight.
• Knowledge of the **South African** regulatory landscape for FMCG operations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead operations for a leading FMCG player in **South Africa**.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and balance.
• Significant responsibility and impact on the company's success.
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Be part of a dynamic and results-oriented management team in **East London**.
• Contribute to the efficiency and growth of key operational functions.
• Work with a diverse range of products and processes.
• Potential for career advancement into senior leadership roles.
• A stimulating and challenging work environment.