Graduate: Lead Associate (Operations) (Ftc) - Roodepoort

Headhunters; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 183,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters and our client in the manufacturing sector are offering a Graduate: Lead Associate (Operations) role based in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. The programme focuses on rapid development through rotations across Engineering, Production and Process, with cross-functional exposure to supply chain, marketing and sales.

You will complete 2–6 month rotations, work with dedicated managers, and engage in structured leadership development to prepare for future Operations/DC leadership roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, or Production Engineering.
• Open to recent graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of professional experience.
• Internship or 1 year of relevant workplace exposure is preferred.
• Graduated from a reputable university and strong analytical abilities.
• Fluency in English and local language (written and verbal).
• Interest in developing technical, functional and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Complete structured rotations through key Operations functions (Engineering, Production, Process).
• Participate in cross-functional rotations (Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales).
• Gain practical exposure to develop holistic Operations understanding.
• Complete projects during rotations (2–6 months each).
• Work with managers for guidance and development.
• Develop technical, functional and leadership skills on the job and through training.
• Engage in onboarding and leadership development initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across functions and levels of the organisation.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, or Production Engineering

Open to recent graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of professional experience

Job description

Our client in the manufacturing industry is seeking to employ a Graduate: Lead Associate (Operations) to join their team based in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.

Salary: R 18,000 per month for a fixed term of 24 - 36 months with no benefits.

Exciting Opportunity:

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation through an accelerated graduate programme designed to develop future leaders within Operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a high-performing graduate to gain broad business exposure, develop technical and leadership capabilities, and build a strong foundation for a future management career.

The programme is focused primarily on Operations, while also providing exposure to broader business functions through structured rotations, mentorship, training and stretch assignments.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, or Production Engineering.
• Open to recent graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of professional experience.
• Ideally, candidates should have completed an internship or gained at least 1 year of relevant workplace exposure.
• Candidates should have graduated from a reputable university.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Fluency in English and the local language, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated determination, adaptability and willingness to embrace challenges.
• Strong interest in developing technical, functional and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to learn quickly, absorb new information and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Credibility and the ability to build positive relationships and influence others.
• Basic knowledge of generative AI and digital tools would be advantageous.
• Candidates must be available to commence the programme.
• A strong engineering mindset, high-performance orientation and genuine interest in Operations and future leadership are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Complete structured rotations through key Operations functions, including Engineering, Production and Process.
• Participate in cross-functional rotations, which may include Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales.
• Gain practical exposure to different areas of the business to develop a holistic understanding of Operations.
• Complete projects and assignments during each rotation, typically lasting between 2 and 6 months.
• Work closely with dedicated managers during each rotation for guidance, support and development.
• Develop technical, functional and leadership skills through on-the-job learning and formal training.
• Participate in onboarding and structured leadership development initiatives.
• Work on stretch assignments designed to build problem-solving, decision-making and leadership capabilities.
• Engage with senior mentors to support career development and organisational understanding.
• Build strong working relationships across different functions and levels of the organisation.
• Apply analytical thinking and innovative approaches to operational challenges.
• Demonstrate initiative, determination and adaptability throughout the programme.
• Contribute meaningfully to assigned projects and business objectives.
• Work towards developing the capabilities required for future Operations/DC management opportunities.