Operations Manager: Pelletizing and Sintering Plant

Samancor Chrome Ltd.; eMalahleni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Samancor Chrome Ltd. in South Africa seeks a senior Manager to lead Production and Maintenance teams, ensuring safe, cost-effective execution of all processes and high-quality finished products.

The role focuses on SHEQ compliance, workforce discipline, and driving performance improvements. The incumbent will manage budgeting, develop maintenance strategy, and coordinate with stakeholders to maximise plant availability while minimising costs.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of production and maintenance teams.
• Strong focus on safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ).
• Experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of HR and Labour relations acts and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production and Maintenance teams to safe, cost-effective execution and high-quality output.
• Manage and improve Plant availability and maintenance cost per unit produced.
• Develop and review maintenance strategy aligned with the business plan.
• Ensure discipline, labour stability and performance against targets.
• Coach staff and conduct recruitment interviews; recruit where necessary.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Budget management

Problem solving

Communication

Performance management

Safety leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

Purpose of the job

To lead the Production and Maintenance Teams in the safe and cost-effective execution of all production and maintenance processes, ensuring high-quality finished products.

Job Responsibilities

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality

• Identify and assess level of baseline- and issue-based risk exposures in area of responsibility by considering exposures to the business, financial and legal issues, people, equipment, material, environment, processes, etc.
• Consider the level of risk, apply mitigation and implement control measures for residual risk (set objectives, minimum requirements, etc.)
• Manage SHEQ compliance within the Department through effective use of the Toolbox
• Utilise the Integrated Management System (IMS) to analyse, identify trends, initiate, mitigate, investigate and report SHEQ status

People

• Ensure an enabling climate/culture
• Manage labour stability by minimising labour turnover
• Labour complement in line with budget
• Achieve HDSA/Female targets for the Department
• Manage performance against set targets and competencies
• Ensure IDP’s are linked to performance results and implemented as per plan
• Conduct career discussions and implement actions with all identified talent (quarterly)
• Ensure discipline is maintained (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.)
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels
• Conduct recruitment interviews

Customers

• Maintain and improve relationships with key stakeholders
• Ensure customer and supplier satisfaction

Operations

Business Processes:

• Manage the Production process

Maintenance

• Document and review the overall maintenance strategy on an annual basis to ensure that it is aligned with the business plan
• Ensure strict adherence to maintenance work management principles (percent planned work, adherence to schedule, number of breakdowns, number of proactive requests) to obtain maximum plant availability at minimum maintenance cost per unit produced
• Manage the Engineering Assets to ensure that they produce at their designed capacity and are periodically refurbished to their original condition to ensure optimal life
• Ensure strict adherence to the relevant engineering standards and specifications
• Periodically audit the asset and documentation to obtain maximum standardisation of spares and new plant installations on the site.

Growth

• Foster a climate of continuous improvement
• Develop the capability of the production and maintenance organisation site-wide

Shareholder Value

• Manage the Departmental budget

Workplace Competencies

Skills:

• Required training as per training matrix
• Soft skills as identified per department / level
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Ability to work under extreme pressure and to prioritize effectively
• Ability to understand processes and problems on an operational as well as strategic level
• Ability to manage costs and budget
• Ability to understand departmental influence on the rest of the business

Knowledge

• Demonstrate an understanding of Basic engineering or technical understanding
• Knowledge of relevant HR and Labour relations acts and regulations
• Knowledge of relevant HSE Acts, regulations and standards
• Knowledge of business administration including costs and finance

Behavioural Competencies Required

• Safety Leadership
• Innovation
• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Planning, Organising & Control
• Results Orientation & Implementation
• Systematic Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Aligning Performance for Success
• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Change Leadership
• Financial & Entrepreneurial Insight
• Adhering to values