Operations Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote work flexibility

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a fast-growing manufacturing company. This is a fully remote role based in South Africa, overseeing production, supply chain, quality, and continuous improvement across distributed teams.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in operations management (MBA preferred), 8+ years in manufacturing, and deep lean/Six Sigma expertise, with strong financial acumen and leadership skills to drive profitability and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years in operations management within manufacturing, with remote or distributed team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Oversee daily production activities for efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage and optimize the supply chain, including procurement, logistics and inventory control.
• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance programs across operations.
• Lead and mentor operations teams, driving high performance and continuous improvement.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Monitor KPIs and drive data-driven improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with sales, finance and R&D to achieve business objectives.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Virtual collaboration

Change management

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management / related field

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role Our client, a rapidly growing manufacturing enterprise, is actively seeking a seasoned and strategic Operations Manager to lead their operational functions. This is a pivotal, fully remote role, offering the unique opportunity to manage and optimize manufacturing operations from a virtual headquarters. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, supply chain, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, and a proven track record in driving operational excellence and profitability. You will leverage advanced technology and communication tools to effectively manage distributed teams and ensure seamless coordination between different operational units. This role requires a forward-thinking individual who can translate strategic goals into tangible operational results in a remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage and optimize the supply chain, including procurement, logistics, and inventory control.
• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance programs across all operational areas.
• Lead and mentor operations teams, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Drive the adoption of lean manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and KPIs, implementing data-driven improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with other departments, including sales, finance, and R&D, to achieve business objectives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in operations management within the manufacturing sector, with a significant portion involving remote or distributed team leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operational functions and driving significant improvements.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting and cost control.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems, advanced planning tools, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive and lead effectively in a fully remote work environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including top-tier health insurance, retirement savings plans, and performance-based bonuses.
• Enjoy the ultimate flexibility of a fully remote position, allowing for unparalleled work-life integration.
• This is an opportunity to take on a leadership role in a dynamic, growth-oriented company and shape the future of manufacturing operations from Soweto.