Operations Manager

Afrinov (Pty) Ltd; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector seeks an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations. The ideal candidate will ensure production efficiency, uphold quality standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and an ability to manage cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in operations or plant management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production planning.
• Proven track record of leadership and cross-functional team management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize daily production operations to meet targets.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality assurance standards.
• Develop and manage budgets for operations while ensuring cost-effective production.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Organizational Skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

MBA

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

Job description

Department: Operations / Manufacturing

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Centurion

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly organized and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee daily operations in our manufacturing and mechanical engineering facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining high-quality standards, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to meet customer demands and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Production and Operations Oversight:

·Manage and optimize day-to-day production operations to ensure output, quality, and delivery targets are consistently met.

·Ensure adequate resourcing (manpower, equipment, and materials) for smooth project implementation.

·Ensure the workshop adheres to approved production plans and schedules.

·Ensure site readiness and alignment with project requirements before production begins.

·Develop and maintain detailed task lists and production schedules in collaboration with the team.

·Ensure daily and weekly production reports are completed, reviewed, and submitted.

·Escalate any major challenges or risks to project delivery to the CEO.

·Review technical drawings and ensure all production is carried out in accordance with approved designs.

·Provide hands-on technical support to the workshop team and resolve manufacturing issues as they arise.

·Check with stores for the availability of consumables and fasteners prior to project initiation.

·Estimate and allocate appropriate manpower hours for each project.

·Set up a production planning team to schedule and prioritize jobs effectively.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise and support cross-functional teams, including production, QC, maintenance, and engineering staff.
• Manage and develop a team of supervisors, technicians, and shop floor employees.
• Handle employee discipline, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct training sessions to improve workforce capability and operational efficiency.

Supply Chain Coordination:

• Oversee procurement, inventory management, and logistics to ensure timely availability of components and materials.

·Coordinate with procurement on materials availability and updates. Project team responsibility?

·Regularly follow up with procurement for updates on critical project items. Project team responsibility?

·Ensure timely and accurate delivery of projects to clients, including coordination of logistics.

Health & Safety Compliance:

• Enforce compliance with all occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Promote a culture of safety in the workshop and project sites.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all fabrication and assembly processes meet ISO standards and internal quality policies.

·Follow up on quality issues and ensure compliance with specifications and standards.

• Work closely with QA/QC teams to conduct inspections and audits.
• Maintain quality control procedures to minimize defects and ensure product integrity.

Budget & Cost Control:

• Develop and manage budgets for operations, ensuring cost-effective production without sacrificing quality.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiency.

Project Management:

• Support inter-departmental collaboration across HR, Finance, Procurement, Engineering, Sales, and Production during project planning and execution.
• Lead project kick-off meetings and contribute to execution planning.

·Continuously assess project progress and implement corrective actions as needed.

• Develop and execute project plans and timelines in collaboration with team leads.

·Make executive decisions during project execution to avoid delays or disruptions.

• Monitor project progress, material standards, and resource allocations.
• Ensure site readiness and material delivery schedules align with project timelines.

Reporting & Metrics:

• Track and analyze KPIs to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present operational reports to the Operations Director.
• Lead regular operational meetings to align teams and drive project execution.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• MBA an added advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an operations or plant management role within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and production planning.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) is an added advantage.
• Proven track record of leadership and cross-functional team management.
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Execution
• Leadership and People Development
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Change Management
• Technical and Mechanical Aptitude

If you meet the requirements, please email your CV and academic supporting documents to [e-mail] by 12:00 pm, 14 July 2025.