Operations Manager

Syndicate Personnel Specialists; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in South Africa is seeking an experienced operations leader to drive operational excellence and strategic initiatives. This role involves leading a high-performing team, implementing continuous improvement methodologies, and ensuring product quality. Candidates should have a BSc/B-Tech in Engineering, along with extensive experience in the Paper & Pulp industry and senior management roles in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in Paper & Pulp Industry operations.
• 5+ years senior management experience in FMCG or related manufacturing.
• Proven success with Lean Manufacturing or similar improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence across a multi-disciplinary converting facility.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Shape maintenance strategies alongside experienced engineering teams.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Education

BSc/B-Tech Engineering or BTech Pulp & Paper

Job description

My client is a well-established manufacturer with a strong market position in the paper & pulp converting sector. With multiple facilities across South Africa, they've built a reputation for quality products and operational excellence over several decades.

This isn't just another operations role. You'll be joining an organization that's serious about operational transformation and investing in leadership development. Reporting directly to the General Manager , you'll have genuine autonomy to shape strategy while building a world-class team.

The Opportunity

Strategic Impact

• Lead operational excellence across a multi-disciplinary converting facility
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with measurable business impact
• Shape maintenance strategies alongside experienced engineering teams
• Own P&L responsibility for operational and capital budgets

Leadership Platform

• Build and mentor a high-performing operations team
• Champion safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Implement performance management systems that develop capability
• Create a culture where excellence becomes the standard, not the exception

Business Accountability

• Deliver against demanding KPIs while maintaining cost discipline
• Ensure product quality meets exacting customer specifications
• Drive quality assurance processes with full accountability
• Report directly to senior leadership with clear visibility and support

The Ideal Candidate

• BSc/B-Tech Engineering or BTech Pulp & Paper (essential)
• 5+ years hands-on experience in Paper & Pulp Industry operations
• 5+ years senior management experience in FMCG or related manufacturing
• Proven success with Lean Manufacturing or similar improvement methodologies