Operations Director

Ntice Sourcing Solutions; Roodepoort; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plastics manufacturing company in Roodepoort seeks an experienced Operations Director to oversee its largest manufacturing operation. This role involves full responsibility for strategic execution, operational performance, and financial outcomes while leading a site of 160-240 employees. Ideal candidates will have a solid engineering background, proven leadership experience in manufacturing, and familiarity with lean methodologies. The position ensures alignment with business strategy and fosters operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a senior operational leadership role within a large manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading a plant of 160-240 employees.
• Strong background in plastics or packaging manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute business strategy in alignment with global and group direction.
• Oversee end-to-end site operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability.
• Drive growth through commercial strategy, market expansion, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic execution

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Financial accountability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification

Job description

Job Location : Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa Application Deadline : February 16, 2026

Role Overview

• Our client, a well-established plastics manufacturing business, is seeking an experienced Operations Director - Manufacturing to lead its largest South African manufacturing operation.
• This role holds full accountability for strategic execution, operational performance, financial outcomes, and people leadership, and leads the entire site, not only production. The position works closely with executive leadership to ensure alignment with broader business strategy and growth objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (required) - Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial
• MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification (preferred)
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior operational leadership role within a large manufacturing environment
• Proven experience leading a plant of 160-240 employees
• Strong background in plastics or packaging manufacturing
• Demonstrated implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Solid technical engineering foundation with hands‑on operational exposure
• Experience managing 24/7 manufacturing operations
• Track record of driving operational excellence and organisational growth

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute business strategy in alignment with global and group direction
• Oversee end‑to‑end site operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability
• Drive growth through commercial strategy, market expansion, and stakeholder engagement
• Embed lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices across all operational areas
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
• Take full financial accountability, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and performance optimisation
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior management, with a strong focus on performance, culture, and succession planning
• Represent the business with key customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders

Key Requirements

• Senior executive leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong operational and technical understanding of plastics and injection moulding processes
• Proven commercial and financial acumen, including full P&L ownership
• Experience driving B2B sales growth and managing strategic customer relationships
• Ability to lead, develop, and hold senior teams accountable
• Strong exposure to ISO standards, regulated manufacturing environments, and quality systems