Lead Manufacturing Operations Manager - Automation & Efficiency

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,306,000 - 3,129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary with bonus

Comprehensive health, dental, and eye

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Access to cutting-edge manufacturing科技

Remote-friendly, collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Operations Manager to spearhead a fully remote, globally distributed manufacturing network. You will drive automation initiatives, optimize processes, and lead a remote team to achieve cost-effective delivery and high quality across production activities.

The role requires extensive experience in manufacturing operations, Lean/Six Sigma, and MES/ERP systems, with a focus on Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in manufacturing operations management with automation focus.
• Experience leading large-scale operations and distributed teams.
• Lean, Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 knowledge.
• Experience with MES/ERP and data analytics.
• Ability to work effectively in remote, global teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic operational plans for manufacturing facilities focusing on automation, lean principles and quality.
• Lead a distributed team of manufacturing professionals in a remote setup.
• Oversee production schedules, resources and supply chain for timely delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement using data analytics and digital tools.
• Manage CAPEX projects related to automation and facility upgrades.
• Ensure safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering and sales to align capabilities with market needs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Remote team leadership

Operational excellence

Data-driven decision making

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Tools

MES

ERP systems

Data analytics platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced manufacturing, is seeking an experienced Lead Manufacturing Operations Manager to spearhead their fully remote operations strategy. This critical role will involve overseeing and optimizing manufacturing processes, driving innovation in automation, and ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and quality across all production activities. As a remote-first organization, we provide a highly collaborative and tech-enabled environment where you can leverage cutting-edge digital tools to manage a distributed workforce and global production network. You will be instrumental in defining the future of manufacturing operations, focusing on smart factory principles and sustainable practices. This position offers unparalleled autonomy and the opportunity to shape operational excellence on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans for manufacturing facilities, focusing on automation, lean principles, and quality control.
• Lead and manage a distributed team of manufacturing professionals, fostering a high-performance culture remotely.
• Oversee production schedules, resource allocation, and supply chain management to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data analytics and digital tools to identify and implement efficiency gains.
• Manage capital expenditure projects related to automation, technology upgrades, and facility enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and sales teams to align manufacturing capabilities with product development and market demands.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling costs while maintaining quality and output targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or MBA is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with a strong focus on automation and process optimization.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale manufacturing operations and managing distributed teams.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 principles.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing advanced automation technologies and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, adaptable to a remote work setting.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP systems, and data analytics platforms.
• Must have the legal right to work remotely from South Africa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan and company contributions.
• Extensive professional development opportunities, including leadership training and advanced certifications.
• Access to leading-edge manufacturing technologies and collaborative platforms.
• A supportive and inclusive remote-first work environment that values work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Opportunities to influence global manufacturing strategy and innovation.