Operations Manager - FMCG (Remote)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Performance-based bonuses

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead its remote operational excellence initiatives from a Bloemfontein-based, yet fully remote role. You will drive efficiency across manufacturing and supply chain with strategic oversight and cross-functional leadership.

The role focuses on implementing best practices, managing budgets, monitoring KPIs, and enabling data-driven decisions in a global FMCG setting from a remote base.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Operations Management or related field.
• 8–12 years of progressive operations management experience in FMCG manufacturing.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Experience with lean, Six Sigma or equivalent.
• Strong budgeting, financial acumen.
• Remote work capability and proven leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans to boost efficiency and productivity.
• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Lead cross-functional teams and foster continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets across labor, materials, overheads.
• Monitor KPIs and drive corrective actions.
• Implement lean manufacturing and waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and sales.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and suppliers.
• Oversee adoption of new technologies and data systems.

Skills

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

ERP systems

Education

Master's degree in Operations Management

Tools

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the FMCG industry, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to lead their operational excellence initiatives from a remote standpoint. While this role is aligned with our Bloemfontein, Free State operational base, it is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility. You will be instrumental in driving efficiency, productivity, and quality across all manufacturing and supply chain operations. This role requires a strategic visionary with a proven ability to optimize processes, manage resources effectively, and lead cross-functional teams to achieve operational goals. You will be responsible for implementing best practices, ensuring adherence to safety standards, and managing budgets to maximize profitability. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on a large-scale operation within a respected FMCG organization, all while enjoying the autonomy and flexibility of a remote work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity within the FMCG manufacturing and supply chain.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and production schedules.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional operational teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• Manage operational budgets, including labor, materials, and overheads, to achieve financial targets and optimize resource allocation.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operations, analyzing data to identify areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Drive initiatives for process optimization, waste reduction, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure compliance with all local and international regulatory requirements, including health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and sales departments to ensure seamless integration of operational activities with business needs.
• Manage relationships with key operational vendors and suppliers.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and operational systems to enhance efficiency and data management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-12 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a strong emphasis on the FMCG manufacturing sector .
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems and operational management software.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory compliance.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and comfortable with remote work dynamics.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position, offering excellent work-life balance. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plans, and performance-based bonuses. Opportunities for significant professional growth and career advancement within a global organization are available. You will have access to advanced operational tools and the support of a dedicated remote workforce. We foster an environment of innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being, regardless of location.