Manufacturing Operations Manager

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health insurance

Company car/allowance

Relocation assistance

Generous PTO and executive leave

Bonus program

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a Soweto facility. You will drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, oversee production, quality, maintenance and logistics, and mentor a team of supervisors and engineers.

The role focuses on safety, efficiency, and cost optimization within an environment of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in manufacturing leadership, financial acumen, and expertise in modern manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or related field is required; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma programs.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with automation and modern manufacturing technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, including production, quality control, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve objectives and improve efficiency.
• Lead and develop a high-performance team of supervisors, engineers, and staff.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Manage plant budget, control costs, and optimize resources.
• Monitor KPIs and drive actions to meet targets for output and quality.
• Collaborate with Sales, R&D, and Supply Chain to maintain alignment and efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Champion safety, quality, and operational excellence across the facility.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Process Improvement

Strategic Planning

Team Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the diversified manufacturing industry, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead their facility in Soweto, Gauteng . This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing operations, ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of high-quality goods. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record in manufacturing leadership, deep knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, and exceptional skills in team management, process improvement, and operational strategy. You will be instrumental in driving productivity, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the facility meets or exceeds its production, quality, and financial targets. This is a critical role within our client's organization, requiring strong leadership and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily manufacturing operations, including production, quality control, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve company objectives and improve efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, engineers, and staff to foster a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen.
• Manage the plant's budget, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to meet targets for output, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with other departments, including Sales, R&D, and Supply Chain, to ensure alignment and operational efficiency.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence throughout the facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience implementing and managing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma programs.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational improvements, cost reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and supply chain management.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and people management skills.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with modern manufacturing technologies and automation.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and performance-based bonus package.
• Comprehensive executive health insurance, including family coverage.
• Significant retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Generous paid time off and executive leave policies.
• Opportunities for strategic leadership development and career advancement.
• A dynamic and influential role within a leading organization.