Head of Operations and Production (Plastic Industry)

Ad Talent Africa; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Ad Talent Africa seeks a hands-on Head of Operations and Production for its plastics manufacturing division. You will lead production operations, drive efficiency, and partner with leadership to hit business objectives.

The ideal candidate has 10–12 years in plastics manufacturing, with proven experience in injection moulding and blow moulding, and a hands-on leadership style focused on people development and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.
• 10–12 years' experience in the plastics manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in both injection moulding and blow moulding.
• Strong technical knowledge of plastics manufacturing processes and machinery.
• Experience leading production teams and improving operational performance.
• Hands-on leadership style with excellent problem-solving and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise the production operation.
• Improve systems, processes, quality, and productivity.
• Drive production planning, workflow, and operational efficiencies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop production teams.
• Resolve operational challenges and implement sustainable improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.
• Partner with leadership to achieve business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Operational excellence

Problem-solving

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations degree

Tools

Injection moulding

Blow moulding

Job description

Head of Operations and Production (Plastic industry)

Who are we

We are a growing consumer goods manufacturer specialising in hydration products. We are looking for an experienced operational leader to drive efficiency, improve performance, and strengthen our manufacturing operations.

Who are we looking for

A hands‑on Head of Production and Operations with strong technical expertise in plastics manufacturing. This role is ideal for someone who has successfully transformed production environments, implemented operational improvements and led high‑performing teams.

What will you do

• Lead and optimise the production operation.
• Improve systems, processes, quality, and productivity.
• Drive production planning, workflow, and operational efficiencies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop production teams.
• Resolve operational challenges and implement sustainable improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.
• Partner with leadership to achieve business objectives.

What do you need

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.
• 10–12 years' experience in the plastics manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in both injection moulding and blow moulding.
• Strong technical knowledge of plastics manufacturing processes and machinery.
• Experience leading production teams and improving operational performance.
• Hands‑on leadership style with excellent problem‑solving and people management skills.