Manufacturing Operations Director — Lean Excellence & Growth

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Company car or car allowance

Paid time off

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a dynamic Director of Operations - Manufacturing to lead a state-of-the-art facility in Richards Bay. The role oversees production planning, efficiency initiatives, and cost management while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The candidate should have a strong background in lean, Six Sigma, and ERP/MES environments, with 10+ years in manufacturing and 5+ in senior leadership. Hybrid work and strategic collaboration are key components of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or related technical field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Extensive experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and technologies relevant to the industry.
• Experience managing plant operations in Richards Bay or similar industrial environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site leadership with strategic planning.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and MES.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Manage the manufacturing budget, ensuring cost control and optimizing resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the manufacturing and operational teams.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage relationships with suppliers of raw materials and components.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and capital expenditure planning for the facility.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on new product introductions and process improvements.
• Drive operational excellence and foster a culture of safety and quality throughout the plant.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Manufacturing processes

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SAP

MES

Job description

WhatJobs Direct seeks a dynamic Director of Operations - Manufacturing to lead a state-of-the-art facility in Richards Bay. The role oversees production planning, efficiency initiatives, and cost management while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The candidate should have a strong background in lean, Six Sigma, and ERP/MES environments, with 10+ years in manufacturing and 5+ in senior leadership. Hybrid work and strategic collaboration are key components of the role.