Operations Manager - Industrial Manufacturing

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary package

Performance-based bonus structure

Comprehensive health insurance and退休

Relocation assistance if applicable

Significant opportunities for career增长

Annual leave and paid company holidays

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead all manufacturing and operational activities on-site. You will drive productivity, optimize costs, enforce safety and environmental standards, and guide a diverse team toward excellence in a complex industrial setting.

Ideal candidates will have 10+ years in industrial ops leadership, expertise in lean and Six Sigma, strong budgeting skills, and a proven ability to align operations with strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership in industrial manufacturing.
• Proven track record in large-scale facility management and cost control.
• Deep knowledge of lean and Six Sigma for continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning and budgeting experience.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing software.
• Based in Richards Bay or willing to relocate to KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Develop and execute strategic operational plans aligned with company objectives.
• Manage departmental budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of managers and supervisors.
• Implement and enforce health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Manage supply chain logistics, inventory, and production planning.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Collaborate with other departments, including sales, engineering, and finance, to achieve business goals.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Financial acumen

ERP systems

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business Administration

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the industrial manufacturing sector based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a seasoned and results-driven Operations Manager . This is a critical on-site position responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of all manufacturing and operational activities within the facility. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing large-scale production facilities, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving profitability. You will lead a diverse team, implement best practices in manufacturing, and ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental compliance. This role requires a deep understanding of the complexities of industrial manufacturing, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to operational excellence. We are looking for a visionary leader who can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and contribute significantly to the company's growth and success in the competitive KwaZulu-Natal market. Your expertise will be vital in steering the Richards Bay plant towards achieving its strategic objectives and maintaining its position as an industry leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Develop and execute strategic operational plans aligned with company objectives.
• Manage departmental budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of managers and supervisors.
• Implement and enforce health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Manage supply chain logistics, inventory, and production planning.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Collaborate with other departments, including sales, engineering, and finance, to achieve business goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management within the industrial manufacturing sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale manufacturing facilities.
• Extensive experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills.
• In-depth knowledge of safety, quality, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and other relevant manufacturing software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Annual leave and paid company holidays.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.