Operations Manager, Manufacturing

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based incentives

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager, Manufacturing for a Welkom facility in the Free State. The role leads production teams, drives continuous improvement and ensures safety, quality and cost-effective operations across the plant.

The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing background with lean principles and Six Sigma experience, plus MES/ERP proficiency and proven leadership capabilities. Hybrid on-site and remote responsibilities are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing operations management.
• Proven experience with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with production schedules and quality standards.
• Lead the production team, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations within the plant.
• Monitor production output and quality metrics, implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage production budget, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Collaborate with supply chain, maintenance, and engineering departments for seamless operations.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for all processes.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Quality Control

MES/ERP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MES

ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Operations Manager, Manufacturing for their facility in Welkom, Free State. This role is crucial for overseeing and optimizing all aspects of the production process, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing operations, excellent leadership capabilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will be responsible for managing production teams, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring the smooth and cost-effective operation of the plant. This position offers the chance to make a substantial impact on production output and quality within a respected industry leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with production schedules and quality standards.
• Manage and lead the production team, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Implement and drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure adherence to strict health, safety, and environmental regulations within the manufacturing plant.
• Monitor production output, quality control metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage the production budget, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Collaborate with supply chain, maintenance, and engineering departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all manufacturing processes.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence among the workforce.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical), Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with a strong focus on production.
• Proven experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate large production teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and supply chain management.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

• competitive salary package
• performance-based incentives
• comprehensive health insurance
• retirement fund contributions
• opportunities for professional development and career advancement

This hybrid role provides a balance of on-site leadership and operational oversight with the flexibility of some remote work. Join a leading manufacturing company that prioritizes innovation, quality, and employee well-being. This is an excellent opportunity to lead and shape production processes in a dynamic industrial setting.