Operations Manager - Manufacturing

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to lead a Richards Bay FMCG manufacturing facility. You will oversee daily production, quality, safety, and costs, while driving Lean/Six Sigma improvements and developing the operations team.

Responsibilities include managing schedules, optimizing resources, and ensuring regulatory and company standards compliance. This is a senior role demanding strategic planning and strong leadership in a large-scale operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 7–10 years in manufacturing operations management preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and HSE regulations.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet targets for production, quality and cost.
• Develop and implement plans to improve efficiency, reduce waste and boost productivity.
• Manage production schedule and allocate resources (personnel, equipment, materials).
• Lead and develop supervisors and staff with a safety-first, high-performance culture.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures across all lines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Manage the manufacturing budget and control expenditures.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Production scheduling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Operations Manager to lead their production facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This vital position involves overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations, ensuring high standards of quality, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing leadership, a deep understanding of production processes, and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives. You will be responsible for managing production schedules, optimizing resource allocation, leading and developing the operations team, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and company standards. This is a substantial opportunity to make a significant impact on operational excellence for a leading FMCG manufacturer in the industrially significant area of Richards Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring targets for production volume, quality, and cost are met.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
• Manage the production schedule and resource allocation (personnel, equipment, materials).
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors and staff, fostering a culture of safety and high performance.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control standards and procedures across all production lines.
• Implement and manage health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with supply chain, maintenance, and engineering departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Manage the manufacturing budget and control operational expenditures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical), Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of improving operational efficiency and reducing costs in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001), and HSE regulations.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is essential.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems.
• Ability to analyze complex operational data and make informed decisions.
• Experience in the Richards Bay industrial area or similar large-scale manufacturing settings is preferred.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance-based bonus and potential for other incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development in manufacturing leadership.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• A dynamic and challenging role within a well-established FMCG organization.
• Contribution to improving local manufacturing standards in KwaZulu-Natal.