Operations Manager / Factory Manager

Headhunters; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading industrial recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Operations Manager/Factory Manager in Johannesburg. The role requires overseeing daily operations, implementing lean methodologies, and leading cultural change within the organization. Ideal candidates have a strong background in production management, lean manufacturing tools, and a proven ability to lead large teams. This position offers an opportunity to significantly impact operational performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in production or operations management within discrete manufacturing.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Experience in implementing lean methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across manufacturing processes.
• Implement lean methodologies to enhance efficiency.
• Drive cultural change initiatives for accountability and performance.

Skills

Leadership through culture change

Lean manufacturing knowledge

Implementation of production KPIs

Strong background in health, safety, compliance

Education

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

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Our Client in the Industrial Manufacturing Industry is seeking to employ an Operations Manager/ Factory Manager to their team based in Boksburg Johannesburg.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Diploma with extensive experience may be considered).
• 8–10 years’ experience in production or operations management within a discrete manufacturing environment (automotive, plastic moulding, or metals preferred).
• Proven ability to lead large teams through culture change and operational transformation.
• Experience in legacy manufacturing environments (advantageous).
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing tools and continuous improvement systems.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher preferred).
• ERP/MRP system experience (e.g., Syspro, SAP, Oracle, Infor LN).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital/visual management tools.
• Demonstrated success in implementing production KPIs and dashboards.
• Strong background in health, safety, and compliance within manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across press shop, injection moulding, and assembly.
• Implement lean methodologies (5S, Kaizen, TPM, SMED, Kanban) to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Lead cultural change initiatives to foster accountability, performance, and discipline.
• Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Collaborate with planning, supply chain, and quality to achieve production targets (OTIF, efficiency, scrap rates, downtime).
• Develop and coach team leads and operators, driving problem-solving and ownership.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Establish production dashboards, daily management boards, and reporting systems for transparency.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance operational performance.
• Monitor and analyse production metrics to ensure data-driven decision-making.

Note: Please note that should you not receive a response within 2 weeks of applying, you may consider your application unsuccessful.