Operations Manager

Samancor Chrome Ltd.; Burgersfort; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Samancor Chrome Ltd. in Limpopo is seeking a seasoned senior manager to lead the Production and Maintenance Teams, drive safety, quality and cost-effective execution of all plant processes.

You will set annual production strategy, manage budgets, drive maintenance and asset performance, and develop talent while achieving HDSA targets and upholding SHEQ standards. The role requires 8+ years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity in heavy industry, and a relevant

Qualifications

• B.Eng./BSc. Eng. or B-Tech degree required.
• 8 years’ relevant experience, preferably 3 years’ managerial in heavy industry.
• Experience in a heavy industrial environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production and Maintenance Teams to drive safe, cost-effective execution of all plant processes.
• Document, review and align the annual production strategy with the business plan.
• Manage maintenance strategy to maximise plant availability and minimise costs.
• Ensure adherence to production standards, specifications and quality targets.
• Coach and develop staff; conduct recruitment, dialogues and performance reviews.
• Ensure SHEQ compliance and risk management within the department.

Skills

Production management

Maintenance management

SHEQ risk management

Strategic planning

Budget management

People leadership

Performance management

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Continuous improvement

Education

B.Eng./BSc. (Eng.) Degree

B-Tech Degree

Tools

IMS system

EBMS

Chromedoc

MES

SAP

Coupa

Job description

Purpose Of The Job

To lead the Production and Maintenance Teams in the safe and cost-effective execution of all production and maintenance processes, ensuring high-quality finished products.

Key Responsibilities

Production Strategy

• Document and review the plant production strategy on an annual basis to ensure that it is aligned with the business plan.

Production Execution

• Perform planned Visible Field Audits.
• Set and achieve Production Budget.
• Set and achieve Production Quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to production work management principles to obtain maximum plant throughput.
• Ensure strict adherence to the relevant production standards and specifications.

Maintenance

• Document and review the overall maintenance strategy on an annual basis to ensure that it is aligned with the business plan.
• Ensure strict adherence to maintenance work management principles (percent planned work, adherence to schedule, number of breakdowns, number of proactive requests) to obtain maximum plant availability at minimum maintenance cost per unit produced.
• Manage the Engineering Assets to ensure that they produce at their designed capacity and are periodically refurbished to their original condition to ensure optimal life.
• Ensure strict adherence to the relevant engineering standards and specifications.
• Periodically audit the asset and documentation to obtain maximum standardisation of spares and new plant installations on the site.

People Management

Manage The Department

• Ensure an enabling climate/culture.
• Manage labour stability by minimising labour turnover.
• Labour complement in line with budget.
• Achieve HDSA/Female targets for the Department.
• Manage performance against set targets and competencies.
• Ensure IDP’s are linked to performance results and implemented as per plan.
• Conduct career discussions and implement actions with all identified talent (quarterly).
• Ensure discipline is maintained (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.).
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels.
• Conduct recruitment interviews.

Safety, Health, Environment and Quality

• Identify and assess level of baseline- and issue-based risk exposures in area of responsibility by considering exposures to the business, financial and legal issues, people, equipment, material, environment, processes, etc.
• Consider the level of risk, apply mitigation and implement control measures for residual risk (set objectives, minimum requirements, etc.).
• Manage SHEQ compliance within the Department through effective use of the Toolbox.
• Utilise the Integrated Management System (IMS) to analyse, identify trends, initiate, mitigate, investigate and report SHEQ status.

Behavioural Competencies

• Safety Leadership
• Innovation
• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Planning, Organising & Control
• Results Orientation & Implementation
• Systemic Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Aligning Performance for Success
• Building & Maintaining Relationships
• Change Leadership
• Financial & Entrepreneurial Insight
• Acting with Integrity
• B.Eng./BSc. (Eng.) Degree, B-Tech Degree or any other relevant degree
• 8 years’ relevant experience, preferably 3 years’ managerial experience in heavy industrial environment

Knowledge And Skills

• Production, maintenance and operational management.
• SHEQ risk identification, mitigation and compliance management.
• Strategic planning, organising, execution and performance management.
• Asset, budget and cost management.
• Systematic problem solving, decision-making and continuous improvement.
• People leadership, coaching, performance and talent management.
• Stakeholder, customer, supplier and relationship management.
• Effective use of operational, business and information systems.
• Communication, change leadership and implementation.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, cost management and business performance.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and systematic problem-solving principles.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Programs and Samancor Chrome systems, including IMS, EBMS, Chromedoc, MES, SAP and Coupa.

Closing Date: 5 October 2026

SAMANCOR CHROME SHALL APPLY THE EMPLOYMENT EQUITY PRINCIPLES AS SET OUT IN THE COMPANY’S EMPLOYMENT EQUITY POLICY.

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