Operations Director - Automotive Parts

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Long-term incentives

Executive health benefits

Retirement fund

Extensive leave

International travel

Leadership growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Operations Director to lead our client’s manufacturing operations in Pretoria. The role oversees production, quality, supply chain, and facilities, driving operational excellence and profitability.

The ideal candidate has a master's degree and 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, with Lean/Six Sigma expertise and strong financial acumen. Hybrid schedule with on-site leadership in Pretoria and strategic remote planning.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of leadership in manufacturing operations, automotive preferred.
• Experience managing large-scale facilities and complex supply chains.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L and budgeting experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for production, quality, supply chain, logistics, and facilities management.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Oversee budgeting, P&L, and capital expenditure planning for operations.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement with Lean/Six Sigma and best practices.
• Lead and mentor senior managers and department heads.
• Optimize supply chain and inventory management to reduce costs.
• Build relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal teams.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Champion adoption of new technologies in manufacturing.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

P&L Management

Leadership

Education

Master's degree (Business Admin / Engineering / Operations Management)

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.