Operations Lead - Manufacturing

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Training & development

Employee assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking an Operations Lead - Manufacturing to oversee daily production activities, drive efficiency, and ensure safety. The role combines on-site leadership with strategic remote planning and reporting.

You will lead production supervisors, optimize schedules, manage equipment, and partner with supply chain, quality, and engineering teams to meet targets and control costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in manufacturing operations management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience in the manufacturing sector, preferably within industrial components in Gauteng.
• Knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma methodologies is an advantage.
• Familiarity with MES and ERP systems; strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Lead and develop a team of production supervisors and line workers.
• Implement and monitor production schedules and resource allocation.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of manufacturing equipment for safety and efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma to reduce waste.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions for deviations.
• Collaborate with supply chain, quality control, and engineering.
• Manage departmental budgets and control costs.
• Participate in strategic planning for future production needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or Operations Management

Tools

MES

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of industrial components, is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Lead - Manufacturing to join their team in Vereeniging , Gauteng . This role is responsible for overseeing the daily production activities, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for driving continuous improvement within a dynamic production environment. This hybrid position requires regular on-site presence to manage production floors and teams, complemented by remote work for strategic planning, reporting, and analysis. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to a well-established manufacturing entity in a key industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Lead and develop a team of production supervisors and line workers, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Implement and monitor production schedules, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely delivery of finished goods.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of manufacturing equipment, ensuring optimal functionality and safety.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations on the production floor.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Monitor key production metrics and KPIs, implementing corrective actions to address deviations.
• Collaborate with supply chain, quality control, and engineering departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Manage departmental budgets and control operational costs effectively.
• Participate in strategic planning for future production needs and capacity expansion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven experience in the manufacturing sector, preferably within the industrial components industry in the Gauteng region.
• Strong understanding of production planning, process optimization, and quality control principles.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a strong advantage.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage teams effectively and foster a positive work environment.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Commitment to health and safety standards.
• Flexibility to work a hybrid schedule, with significant on-site presence required.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary: R . Performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid coverage.
• Retirement fund participation.
• Paid time off and public holidays.
• Opportunities for further training and professional development.
• Employee assistance program.
• Potential for career advancement within the company.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.