Operations Manager, Manufacturing

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Operations Manager for a leading manufacturer in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role requires hands-on leadership of manufacturing operations, process improvement, budget management, and strict safety compliance.

You will drive lean initiatives (Six Sigma), optimize production processes, and ensure quality control throughout the cycle while managing MES/ERP systems and departmental budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical/industrial engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in manufacturing ops with 3+ years supervisory.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality systems.
• Proven leadership and problem-solving skills; excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations, meet targets, quality, and safety.
• Lead continuous improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Mentor production supervisors and teams, reinforcing a culture of performance.
• Oversee budgets, resources, and cost control across departments.
• Enforce strict quality control throughout the production cycle.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance in the facility.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and sales for seamless workflow.
• Maintain equipment reliability via effective maintenance programs.
• Drive lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvements.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future production needs in Mossel Bay.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team leadership

MES/ERP proficiency

Budget management

Manufacturing optimization

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

MES software

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of specialized industrial components, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to oversee their state-of-the-art facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role demands a leader with a strong background in manufacturing operations, process improvement, and team management. The Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and safe production of high-quality goods, managing departmental budgets, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a dedicated manufacturing team and contribute significantly to the company's success in the vibrant coastal region of the Western Cape. The ideal candidate will possess a hands-on approach, a deep understanding of manufacturing principles, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and safety regulations are met.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of production supervisors and associates, fostering a culture of performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee departmental budgets, manage resource allocation, and control operational costs.
• Implement and enforce strict quality control measures throughout the production cycle.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in the manufacturing facility.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and sales departments to ensure seamless workflow and product delivery.
• Maintain and improve equipment reliability through effective maintenance programs.
• Drive initiatives for lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future production needs and facility upgrades in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience in managing production processes, preferably in an industrial components or similar manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and quality management systems.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations in manufacturing.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret production data to drive improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.