Operations Director - Automotive Parts

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Top-tier retirement fund

Extensive leave allowance

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks an Operations Director to lead manufacturing, quality, supply chain and facilities. You will drive strategic initiatives, oversee budgeting and capex, and ensure regulatory compliance in a hybrid on-site/remote setup.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of automotive manufacturing leadership, deep Lean/Six Sigma expertise, and strong financial acumen. You will mentor senior leaders and propel profitability and growth.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, engineering, or operations management.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, preferably automotive.
• Proven success in managing large-scale facilities and complex supply chains.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibility and budget management.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all manufacturing operations, including production, quality, supply chain, logistics, and facilities.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, improve quality and on-time delivery.
• Oversee budgeting, P&L management, and capital expenditure planning for the operations division.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Mentor senior managers and department heads to build a high-performance culture.
• Optimize supply chain and inventory management to reduce costs and improve service.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor KPIs and implement action plans to address deviations.
• Champion adoption of new technologies within the manufacturing environment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

P&L management

Problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Master's degree in business/admin/engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of automotive components, is seeking a visionary and results-driven Operations Director to lead their extensive manufacturing operations in the Pretoria region. This executive-level position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, supply chain, quality, and facility management to ensure optimal performance and strategic growth. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, and a proven ability to drive operational excellence and profitability. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a significant manufacturing hub within a globally recognized automotive supplier.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all manufacturing operations, including production, quality assurance, supply chain, logistics, and facility management.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve company goals related to efficiency, cost reduction, quality improvement, and on-time delivery.
• Oversee budgeting, P&L management, and capital expenditure planning for the operations division.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including the implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other best practices.
• Manage and mentor a team of senior managers and department heads, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Optimize supply chain and inventory management to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and internal departments.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement action plans to address deviations.
• Champion innovation and the adoption of new technologies within the manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within the automotive industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale manufacturing facilities and complex supply chains.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in P&L responsibility and budget management.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Experience in managing regulatory compliance and EHS standards.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule, balancing on-site leadership in Pretoria with strategic remote planning.

Benefits

This executive role offers a highly competitive base salary and an exceptional performance-based bonus structure, along with significant long-term incentives. Comprehensive executive health benefits, a top-tier retirement fund, and extensive leave allowance are provided. Opportunities for international travel and exposure to global best practices are available. The company fosters a dynamic and collaborative leadership environment, with ample room for professional growth and strategic impact. This is a chance to lead significant operations and shape the future of automotive manufacturing.