Industrial Operations Manager

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Company car/travel allowance

Bonus

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Industrial Operations Manager to lead globally distributed teams remotely. You will set strategic operational goals, optimize resources, and drive efficiency across manufacturing and support functions.

The role emphasizes lean principles, data analytics, and ERP familiarity; you will mentor remote teams, ensure safety and quality, manage budgets, and report KPIs while delivering continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management or related field.
• MBA or master's degree is a plus.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial operations with remote team management.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and related methodologies.
• Excellent leadership and communication for virtual teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple facilities and teams across locations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Manage operational budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for efficiency, quality and safety.
• Lead and mentor remote operations teams, fostering high performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Oversee supply chain, logistics and inventory management to optimize flow.
• Implement and manage operational technology solutions to boost productivity.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Remote Management

Data Analytics

Lean & Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering / Operations Management

MBA or Master's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Industrial Operations Manager to lead their globally distributed operational teams. This role is designed for a visionary leader passionate about driving efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement across all facets of their manufacturing and operational activities, managed entirely remotely. You will be responsible for setting strategic operational goals, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are maintained, all while managing a fully remote workforce. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the operational future of a dynamic organization from a remote-first perspective. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of industrial operations, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and teams virtually. You will leverage data analytics, lean principles, and innovative technologies to drive operational excellence. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of trust, autonomy, and high performance within its remote workforce, providing the necessary tools and support for success. This is a challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity for a seasoned operations professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple facilities and teams across different geographic locations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma programs.
• Manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Lead and mentor remote operations teams, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Oversee supply chain, logistics, and inventory management to optimize flow and reduce costs.
• Implement and manage operational technology solutions to enhance productivity and data management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. An MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial operations management, with a significant portion managing remote or distributed teams.
• Proven track record of successfully improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity.
• Extensive knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience managing budgets.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, tailored for remote management.
• Proficiency in operations management software and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and manage complex projects in a virtual environment.

Benefits

• A highly competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Executive-level health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company car or travel allowance.
• Performance-based annual bonus and long-term incentives.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• A fully remote work environment with flexibility and autonomy.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid vacation and holidays.