Operations Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Comprehensive health and retirement

Career growth opportunities

Collaborative, performance-driven work

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of our FMCG client, seeks a seasoned Operations Manager to lead Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. This hands-on role manages production, logistics, inventory, and quality to maximise efficiency and profitability.

You will oversee scheduling, implement lean initiatives, lead a diverse team, ensure safety, and drive continuous improvement to uphold product delivery standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in operations or related field.
• 7+ years in operations management with FMCG exposure.
• Experience leading large teams and managing budgets.
• Expert in continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma).

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations including production scheduling and workflow optimization.
• Develop and implement strategies to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage inventory, warehousing and distribution for on-time orders.
• Lead and develop a high-performing operations team with safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regs.
• Monitor metrics and drive corrective actions as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Lean/Six Sigma

Budget management

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market, is seeking a seasoned and strategic Operations Manager to oversee their bustling facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This hands-on role is responsible for managing all aspects of daily operations, including production, logistics, inventory, and quality control, to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability. You will lead a diverse team, implement operational strategies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to maintain the highest standards of performance and product delivery. This is a key leadership position within a company committed to excellence in the FMCG sector .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including production scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization for FMCG products .
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Manage inventory levels, warehousing, and distribution processes to ensure timely order fulfillment.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a strong preference for the FMCG industry .
• Proven experience in managing large teams and complex operational processes.
• Demonstrated success in implementing continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and other employee benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Be part of a leading FMCG organization known for its quality products and strong market presence in Richards Bay .
• A dynamic work environment focused on operational excellence and team collaboration.