Head of Operations (Manufacturing & Logistics)

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle and fuel allowance

Relocation assistance

Performance bonuses and profit-sharing

Advanced leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Head of Operations for its East London, Eastern Cape operations. The role oversees manufacturing, warehousing and logistics across the region, driving efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness from raw materials to distribution.

The ideal candidate will lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, manage budgets and P&L, ensure HACCP and food safety compliance, and collaborate with procurement, sales and R&D to align operations with business strategy.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years progression in operations and supply chain management with at least 4 years in leadership.
• Experience in food and beverage manufacturing is essential.
• Strong knowledge of integrated manufacturing and logistics operations.
• Proven success in implementing lean principles and driving operational improvements; strong financial acumen including budget control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and integrate all regional manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations.
• Develop and execute strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Manage production planning, quality control, and inventory management to meet demand.
• Optimize supply chain network including transportation and 3PL providers.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operations staff.
• Implement Lean and Six Sigma for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and food safety regulations.
• Manage operational budgets, CAPEX planning, and P&L performance.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales and R&D to align operations with business strategy.
• Monitor KPIs and drive data-driven decision making for performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Data-driven decisions

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budget management

Education

Master's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Operations to lead their integrated manufacturing and logistics functions in East London, Eastern Cape . This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the entire operational value chain, from raw material sourcing to finished product distribution, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in manufacturing management, supply chain optimization, and logistics, with a proven track record of driving continuous improvement and managing large operational teams. We are looking for a visionary leader who can innovate and execute operational strategies to maintain and enhance our client's competitive advantage in a dynamic market. This is a key role in a well-established company with significant potential for impact and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and integrate all manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations within the region.
• Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Manage production planning, quality control, and inventory management to meet market demand.
• Optimize the supply chain network, including transportation, distribution, and third-party logistics providers.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operations managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Implement and champion Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations.
• Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure planning, and P&L performance.
• Collaborate with procurement, sales, and R&D to align operational capabilities with business strategy.
• Monitor key operational KPIs and implement data-driven decision-making for performance enhancement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in operations and supply chain management, with at least 4 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven experience in the food and beverage manufacturing industry is essential.
• Strong knowledge of integrated manufacturing and logistics operations.
• Demonstrated success in implementing lean principles and driving significant operational improvements.Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and advanced supply chain management software.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) and relevant industry regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with significant performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Performance bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Opportunities for advanced leadership training and professional development.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to East London .
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Access to state-of-the-art manufacturing and logistics technologies.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with excellent career progression.
• Annual company performance reviews and salary adjustments.