Operations Manager - manufacturing

ZealHR; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 614,000 - 759,000; Full time

Job summary

ZealHR in Durban, South Africa, is seeking an hands-on Operations Manager for a busy manufacturing and recycling site. You’ll own day-to-day operations, lead production, stock, quality and contractor management, and drive safety and KPI reporting.

You will oversee planning, stock control, asset care, and improvements across production, logistics and maintenance while developing the operational team and ensuring compliance in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a relevant field.
• 3–5 years’ management experience within manufacturing, recycling, waste management or similar.
• Strong stock management and quality control experience.
• Proven team leadership experience.
• Experience managing third-party contractors.
• Exposure to production, logistics and financial controls.
• Good knowledge of health & safety and labour legislation.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee daily plant operations and production.
• Manage stock levels, stock takes and controls.
• Monitor quality standards and operational performance.
• Manage and develop the operational team.
• Manage third-party contractors.
• Oversee collections, logistics and site activities.
• Monitor plant assets, maintenance and housekeeping.
• Drive health and safety compliance.
• Track KPIs and provide accurate operational reporting.
• Identify problems and implement practical solutions.

Skills

Team leadership

Operations management

Production planning

Quality control

Logistics management

Health and safety

Problem solving

KPIs reporting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in relevant field

Job description

Operations Manager – Manufacturing

Are you a hands-on Operations Manager who knows how to keep a busy manufacturing or operational environment running smoothly?

A leading organisation within South Africa’s recycling and manufacturing sector, is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day running of its Bridge City, Durban operation. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the action – leading teams, driving performance and making sure production, stock, quality and contractors are effectively managed.

What is in it for you?

• Package of approximately R55 000- R68 000 CTC PM (depending on background and qualifications)
• A senior, hands-on role with real ownership of site operations
• Broad exposure across production, stock, quality, logistics and people management
• The opportunity to lead a team and directly influence operational performance
• Join an established organisation within a stable operational environment

What will you be doing?

You will take responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of the operation, including:

• Planning and overseeing daily plant operations and production
• Managing stock levels, stock takes and controls
• Monitoring quality standards and operational performance
• Managing and developing the operational team
• Managing third-party contractors
• Overseeing collections, logistics and site activities
• Monitoring plant assets, maintenance and housekeeping
• Driving health and safety compliance
• Tracking KPIs and providing accurate operational reporting
• Identifying problems and implementing practical solutions

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree, National Diploma or equivalent
• 3–5 years’ management experience within manufacturing, recycling, waste management or a
• similar environment
• Strong stock management and quality control experience
• Proven team leadership experience
• Experience managing third-party contractors
• Exposure to production, logistics and financial controls
• Good knowledge of health & safety and relevant labour legislation
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving ability
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport

A management qualification would be advantageous. You will suit this role if you are hands-on, organised, resilient and comfortable taking ownership in a busy operational environment.

Candidates who are available at short notice will have an advantage.