Operations Manager

RecruitMyMom; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A personal care manufacturing company in Cape Town is seeking an Interim Operations Manager for a 12-month fixed term contract. This leadership role involves overseeing daily operations, meeting production targets, and ensuring compliance with GMP/ISO standards. The ideal candidate will have proven hands-on experience in FMCG manufacturing, along with strong decision-making and problem-solving skills. Working hours are 40 per week, Monday to Thursday. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to stabilize operations efficiently.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in FMCG or personal care/cosmetics manufacturing.
• Strong background in bulk manufacturing/blending and filling & packing operations.
• Knowledge of GMP / ISO22716 standards and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations teams to meet production targets and compliance.
• Maintain operational KPIs including production efficiencies and stock accuracy.
• Identify bottlenecks and lead problem-solving initiatives.

Skills

Hands-on experience in FMCG or personal care/cosmetics manufacturing

End-to-end factory operations

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Strong communication

Job description

Overview

Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 04/02/2026

We are seeking a hands-on Interim Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a private-label personal care manufacturing facility for a 12 month fixed term contract.

This is a fully operational leadership role reporting to the Interim Managing Director, focused on stabilising and maintaining efficient, compliant production. The factory operates under GMP and ISO22716 standards, with clear separation of Quality, Supply Chain, and Distribution functions. The Interim Operations Manager will have full authority over Operations teams, ensuring production targets, equipment reliability, workforce efficiency, and compliance are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Lead Operations, including:
• Inbound Stores (Raw Materials & Packaging)
• Manufacturing / Blending
• Filling & Packing
• Maintenance / Engineering

Ensure smooth day-to-day production flow, meeting efficiency and production targets and standards and ensuring compliance with SOPs.

Maintain operational KPIs including production targets, production efficiencies, stock accuracy.

Implement and monitor preventive maintenance programs.

Identify bottlenecks and lead problem-solving initiatives with Team Leaders, Quality and Maintenance.

Compliance & Collaboration

• Operate in full cooperation with the Technical Manager / Quality team to ensure GMP / ISO22716 compliance.
• Liaise with Supply Chain Manager and team and Finished Goods Team Leader as needed to support production scheduling and product handover.
• Ensure safe working practices, hygiene, and factory cleanliness are maintained.

Team Management

• Lead the Team Leaders.
• Optimize workforce deployment, including temp labour, to meet production requirements.
• Maintain high morale and ensure clear communication across Team Leaders and shifts.

Reporting

• Provide regular operational reports on KPIs to the MD.
• Escalate strategic, cross-functional, or regulatory issues to the MD as required.

Requirements

Experience & Skills

Proven hands-on experience and track record in FMCG or personal care/cosmetics manufacturing.

Strong background in end-to-end factory operations, including:

• Bulk manufacturing/blending
• Flexible filling & packing operations
• Maintenance and asset reliability

Knowledge of GMP / ISO22716 standards and compliance requirements.

Experience managing operational Team Leaders and teams.

Strong problem-solving, prioritisation, and decision-making skills.

Personal Attributes

• Calm under pressure, with strong operational credibility.
• Able to stabilise operations quickly in an interim or turnaround context.
• Excellent communicator with cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice-to-Have

• Previous interim management experience in contract manufacturing.
• Exposure to private-label or customer-driven operations.

Working Hours

40 hours per week - broken down as follows:

• Monday to Thursday from 7:30am to 4.20pm