Operations Manager - Manufacturing & Production

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Professional development

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the East London manufacturing facility, driving production efficiency, quality, and safety.

You will mentor supervisors and ensure lean practices, manage budgets, and collaborate with supply chain and QA to deliver operational excellence.

This role demands a hands-on leader with 5+ years in manufacturing ops, a strong engineering or operations degree, and a track record of cost control and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management.
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency with production planning software and ERP systems.
• Hands-on approach with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing and production activities within the East London facility.
• Develop and implement production plans to meet demand efficiently and effectively.
• Manage and mentor a team of production supervisors, line leaders, and factory workers.
• Ensure the consistent quality of manufactured products, adhering to company standards.
• Implement and enforce strict health and safety procedures on the factory floor.
• Manage production budgets, monitor costs, and identify opportunities for operational savings.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of production machinery and equipment.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor production output and KPIs, taking corrective action as needed.
• Collaborate with supply chain and quality assurance departments to ensure seamless operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Health & safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing firm, is seeking a hands-on and experienced Operations Manager to lead their production facility in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and high-quality output of manufactured goods. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the production process, optimizing workflows, supervising production teams, maintaining equipment, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a production facility and drive its success.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing and production activities within the East London facility.
• Develop and implement production plans to meet demand efficiently and effectively.
• Manage and mentor a team of production supervisors, line leaders, and factory workers.
• Ensure the consistent quality of manufactured products, adhering to company standards.
• Implement and enforce strict health and safety procedures on the factory floor.
• Manage production budgets, monitor costs, and identify opportunities for operational savings.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of production machinery and equipment.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor production output and key performance indicators (KPIs), taking corrective action as needed.
• Collaborate with supply chain and quality assurance departments to ensure seamless operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management.
• Proven experience in managing production teams and processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of quality control principles and health & safety regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage budgets and control operational expenses.
• Hands‑on approach and a commitment to operational excellence.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive and comprehensive package:

• Competitive annual salary of R.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
• A stable and supportive manufacturing environment.
• Potential for advancement within the company.