Manufacturing Plant Manager - Precision Engineering

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Executive coaching

Stock options

Performance-based bonus

Health benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 has a high-precision engineering client that seeks a Manufacturing Plant Manager to lead a Bloemfontein facility remotely. You will shape strategy and oversee production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain from a remote base, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to quality standards.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, deep knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma and ISO 9001, plus strong financial management and ERP/MES experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management or related field.
• MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing management experience, preferably in precision/high-tech environments.
• Proven ability to manage plant operations, budgets and teams, with remote or hybrid context.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and ISO 9001.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Solid financial management and performance metrics understanding.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and MES.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direct all plant operations from a remote position.
• Develop and implement operational plans to meet targets, cost efficiencies and quality objectives for the Bloemfontein facility.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Lead and mentor plant personnel with a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Oversee budgets, capital expenditure planning and financial performance.
• Drive process improvements and adoption of new technologies to boost efficiency.
• Manage supplier relationships and robust supply chain.
• Collaborate with engineering/R&D for product development and innovation.
• Maintain rigorous quality control systems and address deviations with proactive measures.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Financial management

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA or Master’s degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a high-precision engineering firm renowned for its quality and innovation, is seeking an accomplished Manufacturing Plant Manager . This is a fully remote leadership opportunity, empowering you to manage and optimize operations from your chosen location. You will be responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of the plant, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards, maximizing productivity, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in precision manufacturing, a strong understanding of operational excellence, and proven leadership capabilities in a remote or hybrid setting. You will collaborate closely with executive leadership, engineering departments, and cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency and achieve ambitious growth targets. This pivotal role demands a strategic mindset, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to inspire and lead a dedicated manufacturing workforce remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direct all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, and supply chain management, from a remote position.
• Develop and implement operational plans and strategies to achieve production targets, cost efficiencies, and quality objectives for the Bloemfontein facility.
• Ensure the plant operates in compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Lead and mentor plant personnel, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee budget management, capital expenditure planning, and financial performance of the plant.
• Drive initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes, implement new technologies, and improve overall operational effectiveness.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and ensure a robust and efficient supply chain.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to support product development and innovation.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Monitor operational performance using key metrics and take proactive measures to address any deviations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing), Operations Management, or a related field.
• An MBA or Master's degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing management, with a significant portion in precision engineering or a related high-tech industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing plant operations, budgets, and teams, preferably in a remote or hybrid context.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, ISO 9001, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Strong understanding of financial management and performance metrics.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Proven ability to drive change and implement complex operational improvements.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary package of R .
• Executive-level health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Substantial retirement savings plan with generous company contributions.
• Significant paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering exceptional autonomy and flexibility.
• Executive coaching and opportunities for leadership development.
• Annual performance-based bonus and potential for stock options.
• Access to the latest in manufacturing technology and industry insights.
• A culture that values innovation, excellence, and employee well-being.
• The opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing operation for a reputable industry leader.