Operations Manager - FMCG Manufacturing Plant

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Housing or relocation assistance

Leadership training

State-of-the-art manufacturingfacility

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our client's manufacturing facility in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will oversee production, quality control, maintenance, safety, and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality FMCG products.

You will drive Lean initiatives, manage budgets, and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment, ensuring compliance with GMP/HACCP and health & safety standards while optimizing performance and costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in manufacturing operations, FMCG preferred.
• Experience managing a large production facility and diverse workforce.
• Strong GMP, HACCP knowledge in FMCG manufacturing.
• Experience implementing Lean or Six Sigma.
• Excellent leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in production planning software, ERP, and data analysis.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Free State industrial landscape is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure efficient production.
• Develop strategies to optimize output, minimize waste, and cut costs.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, HACCP and health & safety protocols.
• Manage production schedules, workforce planning, and resources.
• Lead and motivate the production team toward continuous improvement.
• Oversee maintenance and equipment reliability to minimize downtime.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and other improvement methodologies.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions as needed.
• Manage budgets for labor, materials, and overhead.
• Collaborate with supply chain, R&D, and sales for integration.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team management

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an experienced and proactive Operations Manager to oversee their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA . This role is critical for ensuring the efficient, safe, and high-quality production of our diverse product range. The Operations Manager will be responsible for managing all plant operations, including production, quality control, maintenance, and safety, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. This position requires a strong leader with a proven track record in manufacturing management within the FMCG sector, adept at optimizing processes and leading teams to achieve production targets while upholding stringent quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure efficient and timely production of FMCG products.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize production output, minimize waste, and reduce costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control standards, food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP), and health & safety protocols.
• Manage production schedules, workforce planning, and resource allocation to meet demand forecasts.
• Lead, train, and motivate the production team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee maintenance operations to ensure plant equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor key operational performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage operational budgets, including labor, materials, and overhead costs.
• Collaborate with supply chain, R&D, and sales departments to ensure seamless integration of operations with business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical), Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with a significant portion in the FMCG sector.
• Proven experience managing a large production facility and a diverse workforce.
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, and other relevant quality and safety standards in FMCG manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in production planning software, ERP systems, and data analysis.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
• Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of the Free State industrial landscape is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance.
• Opportunity to lead operations for a well-established FMCG brand.
• Significant impact on production efficiency and product quality.
• Company-provided housing or relocation assistance for the right candidate.
• Professional development and leadership training.
• State-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
• Engaging and safety-conscious work environment.
• Generous annual leave and other company perks.