Operations Manager - FMCG Manufacturing

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Presencial; ZAR 900.000 - 1.500.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Salary & bonus

Medical Insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Leadership development

Leave & sick days

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Richards Bay production facility in KwaZulu-Natal, FMCG sector. You will drive safety, quality, and cost efficiency while coordinating with multiple departments to meet production targets.

This role demands a strategic leader with Lean/Six Sigma expertise, 7–10 years in manufacturing management, and a proven ability to optimize processes, mentor teams, and uphold high standards of output and product quality.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Industrial/Chemical) or related field.
• 7–10 years in operations/manufacturing management in FMCG.
• Proven ability to improve performance and lead large teams.
• Strong knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma principles.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and boost productivity.
• Lead and develop a diverse team of supervisors and operators.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and environmental policies.
• Manage production budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across plant.
• Coordinate with supply chain, procurement and QA for seamless operations.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and corrective actions.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data-driven decision making

ERP/MES familiarity

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Herramientas

MES

ERP

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the FMCG sector, is seeking a results-driven and experienced Operations Manager to lead their production facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing management, with a proven ability to optimize production processes, manage teams, and implement best practices. You will play a vital role in driving operational excellence and contributing to the company's growth and success. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities, excellent problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing principles within the fast-paced FMCG environment. We are looking for an individual who can foster a culture of continuous improvement and ensure the highest standards of production output and product quality. The successful applicant will be instrumental in managing resources, streamlining workflows, and achieving key performance indicators.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily manufacturing operations at the Richards Bay facility to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve productivity within the FMCG production environment.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of production supervisors, operators, and support staff, fostering a positive and high-performance work culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, quality control standards, and environmental policies.
• Manage the production budget, control costs, and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or safety.
• Implement and maintain Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and ensure optimal functioning of all production machinery.
• Collaborate with supply chain, procurement, and quality assurance departments to ensure seamless integration of operations.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Drive a culture of safety and accountability throughout the operations team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical), Operations Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations or manufacturing management, with a significant portion within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale manufacturing operations and improving operational performance.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent understanding of production planning, quality control, and health & safety regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Experience in managing production budgets and controlling operational costs.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and willing to relocate or reside near Richards Bay.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement.
• Annual leave and paid sick days.