Operations / Plant Manager

Network Contracting; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Contracting is seeking an experienced Operations/Plant Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of its South African manufacturing facility in Durban. You will drive production efficiency, quality standards, team performance, cost management, safety and continuous improvement in a structured environment.

The role requires leading teams, improving operational performance and owning manufacturing excellence, with willingness to travel internationally when required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum 10 years' operations experience in automotive/manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality-control systems.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations, production planning, quality, cost control, supply-chain coordination and compliance to achieve targets.
• Lead and develop operational teams while driving continuous improvement across productivity, process efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability and plant performance.
• Manage operational reporting, budgets and strategic improvement initiatives, providing senior management with clear performance insights and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Operations knowledge

Continuous improvement

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Our client, an established international engineering and manufacturing organisation, is looking for an experienced Operations / Plant Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of its South African manufacturing facility.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strong operational leader to drive production efficiency, quality standards, team performance, cost management, safety, and continuous improvement within a structured manufacturing environment.

If you enjoy leading teams, improving operational performance, and taking ownership of manufacturing excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily plant operations, production planning, quality, cost control, supply-chain coordination and compliance to ensure customer and business targets are achieved.
• Lead and develop operational teams while driving continuous improvement across productivity, process efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability and overall plant performance.
• Manage operational reporting, budgets and strategic improvement initiatives, providing senior management with clear performance insights and recommendations.

Job Experience & Skills Required / Ideal Candidate Profile:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years' operations experience within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality-control systems.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing cross-functional projects.
• Working knowledge of South African manufacturing regulations and compliance requirements.

Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of production, quality and operational performance.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and process optimisation.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Other:

• Location: Durban
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.
• Candidate must be in good standing.