Head of Operations (Manufacturing)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid & retirement fund

Company car + fuel allowance

Relocation assistance to Pretoria

Annual leave & holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Head of Operations for an automotive manufacturing client in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will oversee daily production, drive lean initiatives, ensure safety, quality, and on-time output.

The role requires a mechanical/industrial/electrical engineering background, an MBA is advantageous, and 8+ years in manufacturing ops with 4+ in senior leadership. MES/ERP proficiency is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical) or Operations Management.
• MBA or Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and quality systems (IATF 16949).
• Demonstrated success in managing large production teams and complex environments.
• Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in MES and ERP software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient production flow and adherence to schedules.
• Implement and champion lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet demand targets.
• Ensure the highest standards of product quality and consistency.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling costs while maximizing output.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, engineers, and line workers.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies.
• Drive initiatives to improve OEE and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to resolve production issues.
• Monitor production KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Operations Management

MBA or Master’s degree (advantageous)

Tools

MES

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the automotive manufacturing industry, is seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Head of Operations to lead their production facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng . This critical leadership position will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing operations, ensuring maximum efficiency, productivity, and quality in line with global standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing management, lean principles, and process optimization, with a proven ability to manage large teams and complex production cycles. We are looking for a strategic thinker capable of driving continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining a safe, productive work environment. This role offers a significant opportunity to influence the operational success of a key player in the South African automotive sector and contribute to its ongoing innovation and growth. The position requires a hands-on approach to operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient production flow and adherence to schedules.
• Implement and champion lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet demand targets.
• Ensure the highest standards of product quality and consistency are maintained.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling costs while maximizing output.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, engineers, and line workers.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies.
• Drive initiatives to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to resolve production issues.
• Monitor production KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical), Operations Management, or a related field.
• An MBA or Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and quality systems (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Demonstrated success in managing large production teams and complex manufacturing environments.
• Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP software.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Company car and fuel allowance.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Pretoria .
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Employee assistance program.
• Access to state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with significant growth potential.
• Company-sponsored social and team-building events.