Manufacturing Plant Manager - FMCG Sector

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive package

Premium health insurance

Company car

Generous vacation

Relocation assistance

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Manufacturing Plant Manager for a flagship FMCG facility in Sandton, Gauteng. This on-site executive role drives strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial performance across production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain.

Lead a high-performance team, implement Lean and Six Sigma, optimize resources, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Requires 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, with at least 5 years in a Plant Manager role within

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in manufacturing management with at least 5 years in a Plant Manager or senior leadership role in FMCG.
• Proven track record of managing large, complex manufacturing operations and delivering strong financial results.
• In-depth knowledge of FMCG production processes, quality standards (HACCP, ISO) and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision and operational plans for the manufacturing plant to achieve business objectives.
• Oversee all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and human resources.
• Lead and mentor a team of department managers and supervisors, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and food safety regulations.
• Manage the plant's P&L, control expenditures and optimize resource utilization to meet financial targets.
• Drive innovation in product development and manufacturing processes to maintain competitiveness.
• Oversee inventory management, production planning and supply chain logistics.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Promote safety, quality and employee engagement across the plant.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations management

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Financial acumen

Communication

Negotiation

Change management

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Manufacturing Plant Manager for their flagship facility located in the prime business district of Sandton, Gauteng. This executive role is responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational efficiency, and financial performance of the entire manufacturing plant. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing large-scale FMCG production environments, a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, and exceptional leadership skills. You will be tasked with driving innovation, ensuring adherence to stringent quality and safety standards, optimizing resource allocation, and cultivating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This is a critical on-site leadership position offering significant responsibility and impact within a dynamic and fast-paced industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision and operational plans for the manufacturing plant to achieve business objectives.
• Oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and human resources.
• Lead and mentor a team of department managers and supervisors, fostering a high-performance culture and developing talent.
• Implement and champion continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations.
• Manage the plant's P&L, controlling operational expenditures and optimizing resource utilization to achieve financial targets.
• Drive innovation in product development and manufacturing processes to maintain a competitive edge.
• Oversee inventory management, production planning, and supply chain logistics to ensure optimal flow of materials and finished goods.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and employee engagement throughout the plant.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing management, with at least 5 years in a Plant Manager or similar senior leadership role within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of managing large, complex manufacturing operations and delivering strong financial results.
• In-depth knowledge of FMCG production processes, quality standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO), and regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with managing significant budgets and P&L responsibilities.
• Ability to drive change and implement innovation within a large organization.
• Must be willing and able to commit to full-time, on-site management at the Sandton, Gauteng facility.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including base salary, bonus, and potential equity.
• Comprehensive C-suite level benefits, including premium health insurance, life insurance, and executive retirement plans.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Generous vacation and personal leave.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• A challenging and rewarding role with significant strategic influence.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.