Plant Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus structure

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Plant Manager for its Stellenbosch, Western Cape facility. This executive role oversees production, quality, safety, and financial performance, driving Lean and Six Sigma improvements and leading a senior management team.

The successful candidate will have 10+ years in manufacturing management, a strong track record in P&L, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, and a master's degree preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing management
• 5+ years in senior leadership roles (Plant Manager/Operations Director)
• Proven track record in P&L and cost optimization
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and supply chain management
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Excellent financial acumen and budgeting skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all plant operations, including production, engineering, logistics, and maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize plant efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage the plant budget, P&L, and capital expenditure.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing management team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
• Establish strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean and Six Sigma implementations.
• Oversee inventory, supply chain, and logistics operations.
• Ensure production targets and quality standards are consistently met.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Budgeting

Negotiation

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/BA

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to lead their state-of-the-art facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This executive role demands strong leadership in overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality, safety, and financial performance. The Plant Manager will be responsible for driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the plant meets its strategic objectives. This is a critical leadership position within our manufacturing and production division.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all plant operations, including production, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize plant efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage the plant budget, P&L, and capital expenditure effectively.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing management team and workforce.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and employee engagement.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.
• Drive operational excellence through the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Oversee inventory management, supply chain, and logistics operations.
• Ensure the plant meets production targets and quality standards consistently.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Operations Director).
• Proven track record of successfully managing plant operations, P&L, and driving operational improvements.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and supply chain management.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent financial acumen and budgeting skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead change initiatives.
• Familiarity with relevant industry regulations and compliance standards.

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a generous bonus structure, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for career advancement. The role is based at our Stellenbosch, Western Cape facility, offering a challenging yet rewarding work environment.