Head of Manufacturing Operations

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head of Manufacturing Operations to lead its Richards Bay facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This senior management role oversees production, safety, quality, and efficiency, driving strategies to meet targets and implement MES/ERP-enabled improvements.

You will manage budgets, mentor a large operations team, and collaborate across engineering, quality, and supply chain to optimise lean processes.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in manufacturing operations management.
• 4+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience with MES and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production goals.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and execution to meet demand.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead and develop the manufacturing operations team and budget control.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain for seamless operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem-solving

Budget management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Tools

MES systems

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the industrial manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Head of Manufacturing Operations to lead its production facilities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior management role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing, ensuring high levels of productivity, quality, safety, and efficiency. The Head will drive operational strategies to meet production targets, manage resources effectively, and implement best practices in manufacturing execution. This is a critical role for someone passionate about industrial processes and leading large operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production goals.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and execution to meet demand requirements.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the manufacturing plant.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing operations team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental budgets, including capital expenditure planning and cost control.
• Implement and optimize manufacturing processes using lean principles and other relevant methodologies.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality control, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Drive initiatives for technological upgrades and process automation.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on operational performance to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex manufacturing environments and achieving production targets.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and cost optimization.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations in South Africa.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in the industrial hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP systems.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, an annual performance bonus, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a stable and growing organization.

This role is based on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .