Manufacturing Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Executive development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager for a large-scale facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role oversees all manufacturing operations, drives lean initiatives, ensures safety, quality, and cost efficiency across production teams, and reports to senior leadership.

The position offers executive development and a competitive compensation package. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing management, with 5+ in senior leadership, and strong lean, Six

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing management, with 5+ in senior leadership.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Strong budgeting and cost-control experience.
• Proven leadership to manage large, diverse teams.
• Strategic planning, problem solving, and decision making.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and production technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and MES.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all manufacturing operations to meet production, quality, and cost goals.
• Develop and implement plans to boost efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regs.
• Oversee resource allocation of labor, materials, and equipment.
• Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage the annual operating budget for manufacturing.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain for seamless ops.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions for deviations.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budgeting

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

ERP/MES

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree

MBA

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a large-scale manufacturer of industrial components, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Manufacturing Operations Manager for their extensive facility in Vereeniging, 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 products. The Operations Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team, implement strategic initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across all production departments. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing complex manufacturing environments and a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, and cost objectives.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Oversee resource allocation, including labor, materials, and equipment, to optimize production.
• Implement and champion lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage the annual operating budget for the manufacturing department, identifying cost‑saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with other departments, including engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain, to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans to address any deviations.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical) or Business Administration.
• An MBA or relevant Master's degree is a strong asset.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage large, diverse teams effectively.
• Excellent strategic planning, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• In‑depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and production technologies.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Our client offers an executive‑level compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant performance‑based bonuses, and long‑term incentive plans.
• Top‑tier medical and dental coverage.
• A comprehensive retirement savings plan.
• Substantial paid time off.
• Opportunities for executive development and career advancement within the organization.

This critical leadership role is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng , offering the chance to significantly impact the company's manufacturing success.