Manufacturing Operations Manager - Heavy Machinery

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Company car or car allowance

Generous annual leave and holidays

International travel and training

Executive coaching and leadership dev.

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead all aspects of heavy machinery manufacturing operations, including production planning, resource allocation, workforce management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing, strong Lean/Six Sigma, ERP/SAP and MES experience, and a proven ability to drive efficiency, safety, and profitability across a large-scale operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering; MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing management experience, with 5+ years in leadership of large-scale operations.
• Proven success implementing lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence programs.
• Strong production planning, scheduling, and supply chain management knowledge.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and MES; ability to drive financial performance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to motivate diverse teams; safety and quality focused.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations aligned with strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement production plans and schedules to meet demand and minimize lead times.
• Lead and develop production supervisors, engineers, and line workers.
• Champion lean and continuous improvement methodologies to boost efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Manage the manufacturing budget and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and quality teams for seamless operations.
• Monitor KPIs and implement actions to drive performance improvements.
• Oversee maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and maximize reliability.
• Foster accountability, innovation, and continuous learning within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budgeting

SAP

MES

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA

Tools

SAP

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the design and manufacture of heavy machinery, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Manufacturing Operations Manager for their facility in Pretoria, Gauteng. This critical leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing operations, including production planning, resource allocation, workforce management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in complex manufacturing environments, a strong grasp of operational excellence, and a proven ability to drive efficiency and profitability. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a significant manufacturing hub and contribute to the company's strategic growth. You will be responsible for ensuring that production targets are met while upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental compliance. We are looking for a results-oriented leader with a passion for operational excellence and a talent for developing high-performing teams. The role requires a forward-thinking individual capable of navigating the complexities of heavy industrial manufacturing. This is a chance to make a substantial impact on a well-established organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.
• Develop and implement production plans and schedules to meet demand, optimize resource utilization, and minimize lead times.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of production supervisors, engineers, and line workers.
• Implement and champion lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, environmental policies, and quality standards.
• Manage the manufacturing budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and quality departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans to address deviations and drive performance improvements.
• Oversee equipment maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and maximize operational reliability.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning within the operations team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical) or a related field; an MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing large-scale operations, preferably in heavy machinery or automotive sectors.
• Demonstrated success in implementing lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence programs.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and supply chain management principles.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs, and drive financial performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience with unionized environments is an advantage.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary and performance-driven bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Significant retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for international travel and training.
• Executive coaching and leadership development programs.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with a clear path for career advancement.