Plant Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid meeting opportunities

Autonomy and impact

Job summary

Placements24 in Mpumalanga invites applications for a Plant Manager to lead a major automotive parts facility in Nelspruit. You will oversee production, quality, safety, and people, driving lean improvements and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in manufacturing leadership, with 3+ years as Plant Manager, strong Lean/Six Sigma experience, budget ownership, and a proven track record of cost reduction and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical) or related field; Master’s degree advantageous.
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations experience; 3+ years in Plant Manager role.
• Proven track record of managing facilities and driving improvements.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality management systems.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in production planning, scheduling, and inventory control.
• Familiarity with Mpumalanga industrial landscape is a plus; commitment to safety and environmental practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage all plant operations for efficient, cost-effective production.
• Develop strategies to meet targets, quality standards, and safety goals.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of all plant equipment and machinery.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regs.
• Lead and develop workforce, promoting accountability and high performance.
• Implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma for continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental budgets and control expenses.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and quality assurance teams.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Foster relationships with local authorities and community.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budget management

P&L responsibility

Problem solving

Communication

Production planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading automotive parts manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Plant Manager for their facility located in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This critical role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, manufacturing, quality control, safety, and personnel management. The Plant Manager will drive operational efficiency, implement lean manufacturing principles, ensure product quality meets stringent standards, and foster a safe and productive work environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing leadership, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a significant manufacturing operation in the vibrant Mpumalanga region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all plant operations, ensuring efficient and cost-effective production.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve production targets, quality standards, and safety goals.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of all plant equipment and machinery.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant's workforce, promoting a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Implement and optimize lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental budgets and control operational expenses.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Foster strong relationships with local authorities and the community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical), Operations Management, or a related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing and operations management, with at least 3 years in a Plant Manager role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing manufacturing facilities and driving operational improvements.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality management systems.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in production planning, scheduling, and inventory control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with the industrial landscape in Mpumalanga is a plus.
• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Relocation assistance if required.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• A leadership role with significant autonomy and impact.
• A stable and reputable manufacturing organization.
• Potential for hybrid arrangements for strategic meetings or off-site training.