Plant Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Long-term incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Plant Manager for a major manufacturing site in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role leads all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and safety, with a focus on delivering targets and optimizing efficiency.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years in senior operations leadership in manufacturing, with strong P&L management, ISO 9001 knowledge, and a track record of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or Operations Management.
• MBA or relevant Master’s degree is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality control, supply chain, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve production goals, cost targets, and quality objectives.
• Manage the plant budget and identify cost savings and process improvements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the management team and workforce with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and labor regulations in Free State.
• Drive lean manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives to boost productivity and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with corporate HQ to align operations with business strategy.
• Oversee capital projects for plant upgrades and equipment modernization.
• Maintain relationships with local authorities, suppliers, and community.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cost management

Safety & EHS

Operational excellence

People management

Communication

Lean/Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations Management

MBA or Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant contributor to the manufacturing landscape in Bloemfontein, Free State , is actively recruiting a highly competent and results-oriented Plant Manager . This is a critical leadership role responsible for the overall management and operational efficiency of the entire manufacturing plant. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing large-scale production facilities, driving operational excellence, and ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and quality. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a key facility and make a substantial impact on the region's industrial sector from Bloemfontein .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, supply chain, and safety, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve plant production goals, cost targets, and quality objectives within the manufacturing division.
• Manage the plant's budget effectively, controlling operational expenditures and identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant's management team and workforce, fostering a culture of high performance, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and labor regulations in Free State .
• Drive operational excellence initiatives, such as lean manufacturing or Six Sigma, to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with corporate headquarters and other departments to align plant operations with overall business strategy.
• Oversee capital expenditure projects for plant upgrades and equipment modernization.
• Maintain strong relationships with local authorities, suppliers, and the community.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or Operations Management.
• An MBA or relevant Master's degree is highly advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant management or senior operations leadership roles within the manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record in managing plant P&L, driving cost efficiencies, and achieving production targets.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001), and EHS standards.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience in managing large teams and fostering a positive work environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with the operational challenges and regulatory environment in South Africa , particularly in the Free State province.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive executive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and potential for long-term incentives.
• The benefits package includes comprehensive medical aid, a substantial retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Ample opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and career advancement are provided.
• Employees benefit from generous annual leave and other leave provisions.
• This role offers a chance to lead a vital manufacturing facility in Bloemfontein and significantly contribute to the company's success in the Free State .