Manufacturing Operations Manager

Ntice Search Solutions; Durban; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent packaging manufacturing firm in Durban is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager to oversee large-scale production. This senior role involves managing a workforce of 350-400 employees, driving operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate has 10-15 years of leadership experience in manufacturing. This position provides an opportunity to shape company strategy and culture.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of operations leadership experience in large-scale manufacturing.
• Strong exposure to unionised environments and labour engagement.
• Proven track record of managing multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead all packaging manufacturing operations within a 63,000m² facility.
• Drive productivity enhancement, waste reduction, and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Numerical analysis

Conflict resolution

Process optimisation

Team management

Education

Relevant Engineering degree (BSc, BEng Preferred)

Post Grad Business Management or MBA advantageous

Job description

Overview

Our client, a leading company in the packaging manufacturing industry, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead its large-scale production facility. This senior role carries responsibility for a workforce of approximately 350–400 employees, including department managers, and oversees a multi-disciplinary packaging manufacturing operation in a unionised environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving productivity, efficiency, cost optimisation, and operational excellence, while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and accreditation standards (ISO 9001:2015, FSSC 22000).

Key Responsibilities

• Full accountability for all packaging manufacturing operations within a 63,000m² facility.
• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership to departmental managers and teams across printing, Die-cutting, Finishing, and Corrugating departments.
• Drive productivity enhancement, waste reduction, and continual efficiency improvements.
• Ensure effective planning and scheduling of production to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Oversee capital equipment maintenance and upgrades; manage new equipment installation projects.
• Lead OEE performance management and implement structured reporting systems.
• Champion the adoption of ERP systems and technology-driven solutions for operations optimisation.
• Maintain quality and compliance standards, including ISO and FSSC accreditations, and lead audits.
• Ensure effective labour relations, including engagement with unions and workplace fora.
• Develop and mentor departmental leaders and implement apprenticeship/training programmes to build future skills.
• Participate in executive-level decision making and contribute to company-wide strategy.

Key Personality Traits

• Numerically strong with an analytical mindset.
• Technically oriented with a logical, practical approach.
• Collaborative, persuasive, and effective in conflict resolution.
• A strong, firm leader capable of managing relationships upwards, downwards, and sideways.
• Change agent with proven experience driving cultural and operational transformation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant Engineering degree (BSc, BEng Preferred). Post Grad Business Management or MBA advantageous.
• Minimum 10–15 years’ operations leadership experience in large-scale manufacturing, in packaging, printing, plastics, or FMCG.
• Proven track record of multi-disciplinary leadership (managing multiple departments and large staff complements).
• Strong exposure to unionised environments and labour engagement.
• Demonstrated achievements in LEAN manufacturing, OEE implementation, and process optimisation.
• Experience in managing capital projects and facility expansions/modernisations.
• ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 compliance management experience essential.

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to take a senior leadership position in a respected South African packaging business, with scope to influence strategy, culture, and performance at executive level. You’ll lead a significant operation, drive modernisation projects, and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s next phase of growth.