Manufacturing & Optimization Manager

Omnia (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electronics firm in South Africa is seeking a high-level professional to lead product development and manufacturing operations. You will oversee the full lifecycle from design to production, ensuring quality and compliance with standards. This role requires strong experience in electronic manufacturing, team leadership, and strategic alignment with business goals. Join us in driving efficiency and innovation in our operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of proven experience in electronic equipment manufacturing, with hands-on involvement.
• 5+ years managing quality assurance systems in an electronics production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full lifecycle of AXXIS product development.
• Oversee AXXIS equipment manufacturing facility operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma.

Skills

Quality Control Analysis

SQL Data Analysis

Management skills

Process optimization

Communication skills

Change Management

Project management

Supply Chain Management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Education

BSc Engineering: Electronic or Industrial

Masters in Operations Management, Project Management, Business Administration or Supply Chain Management

Job description

Overview

To lead and manage the full lifecycle of AXXIS (EIS) product development, from electronic design and prototyping through to efficient, high‑quality manufacturing and continuous operational optimization. This includes integrating advanced electronic design principles, embedded firmware development, and Industry 4.0‑aligned manufacturing practices to support BME's strategic goals. The role bridges R'D with SP production, ensuring seamless handovers, ongoing product support, and continuous improvement in operational efficiency, product quality, and technological innovation.

Qualifications

• BSc Engineering: Electronic or Industrial
• Masters (Advantage): Operations Management, Project Management, Business Administration, or Supply Chain Management
• 7+ years of proven experience in electronic equipment manufacturing, including hands‑on involvement in both design and production environments
• 5+ years managing quality assurance systems within an electronics production environment, including compliance with international standards

Duties

Electronic Product Design & Development

• Design and develop advanced electronic detonators, blasting control systems, test equipment, and embedded firmware
• Research and integrate cutting‑edge technologies into new and existing designs
• Manage product lifecycle from concept to production release
• Perform and oversee prototype development, testing, and qualification
• Provide field support and training for new and existing electronic systems

Manufacturing Management

• Oversee the AXXIS equipment manufacturing facility operations to ensure cost‑effective, timely, and high‑quality production
• Ensure that production KPIs (output, uptime, quality, safety) are met
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards
• Collaborate with procurement, planning, and logistics to align manufacturing with demand
• Ensure production readiness for new product introductions from R'D

Operational Optimization

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 principles
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics such as OEE, cycle time, yield, and scrap rate
• Use data‑driven methodologies to identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions
• Standardize processes and implement best practices across the facility
• Drive automation and digital transformation in the manufacturing environment

Strategic Alignment & Leadership

• Align manufacturing and product design strategies with BME's strategic imperatives
• Lead and mentor cross‑functional teams, fostering innovation and ownership
• Collaborate with global teams on development, quality, and engineering projects
• Support risk management, resource planning, and capacity expansion projects
• Promote a culture of safety, continuous learning, and operational excellence

Core Deliverables

• High‑Quality Product Output: Ensure AXXIS electronic systems and components are manufactured to meet quality, safety, and performance standards.
• Design‑to‑Manufacture Integration: Seamless transition of new electronic designs into full‑scale production with minimal delays or rework.
• Process Optimization: Implement continuous improvement projects to improve OEE, reduce cycle time and waste, and increase yield across manufacturing operations.
• Operational Efficiency: Maintain cost‑effective, lean, and safe manufacturing processes that meet production targets and delivery timelines.

Technology & Innovation Implementation

• Integrate Industry 4.0 tools, automation, and data‑driven solutions into manufacturing and engineering workflows.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Develop and lead high‑performing teams, ensuring cross‑functional collaboration between engineering, quality, and production units.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all operations comply with relevant quality standards, safety regulations, and company policies.

Stakeholder Satisfaction

• Deliver consistent value to both internal (e.g., R'D, commercial teams) and external stakeholders (e.g., customers, regulators) through responsive and reliable operations.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Drive environmentally responsible practices in line with corporate sustainability goals, including energy use, waste reduction, and material efficiency.

Data‑Driven Decision‑Making

• Leverage operational and production data to drive performance improvements and support strategic planning.

Job Competencies

• Skilled in electronic design, embedded systems, and scalable manufacturing integration
• Drives efficiency and quality using Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 tools
• Aligns manufacturing and optimization with business goals for long‑term success
• Builds accountable, high‑performing teams and fosters innovation
• Solves problems using data‑driven, sustainable solutions
• Ensures product reliability and compliance with industry standards
• Works effectively with internal teams and external partners

General Job Related Skills

• Quality Control Analysis
• SQL Data Analysis
• Management skills
• Process optimization
• Communication skills
• Change Management
• Project management
• Supply Chain Management
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Decision Making
• Critical Thinking