Plant Operations Director

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Director to lead our flagship Johannesburg facility. The role demands strategic thinking to optimize production, safety and quality across production, maintenance and supply chain.

You will steer a large operations team and partner with finance, R&D and sales to meet business objectives. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing ops, 5+ in senior leadership, and strong Lean/Six Sigma credentials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing operations management.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all day-to-day plant operations for efficiency.
• Develop strategic plans to meet production targets and cost goals.
• Oversee maintenance to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Manage supply chain and ensure timely raw material procurement.
• Lead and develop a large workforce; foster safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regs.
• Monitor KPIs and drive accountability across teams.
• Collaborate with R&D, sales and finance to align goals.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Production planning

Quality control

ERP software

MES systems

Team leadership

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

MES

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturing conglomerate, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Plant Operations Director to oversee their flagship facility in Johannesburg, Gauteng . This critical leadership role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in driving operational excellence, optimizing production efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, supply chain, and workforce management. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on a large-scale manufacturing operation within a key industrial hub. The role requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and a deep understanding of manufacturing best practices.

Key Responsibilities Direct and manage all day-to-day operations of the manufacturing plant to ensure efficiency and productivity. Develop and implement strategic operational plans to meet production targets, cost objectives, and quality standards. Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all plant machinery and equipment to minimize downtime. Manage the supply chain, ensuring timely procurement of raw materials and efficient distribution of finished goods. Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of plant personnel, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety. Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations. Control operational budget, manage expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities. Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and drive accountability. Collaborate with other departments, including R&D, sales, and finance, to align plant operations with business goals. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical) or a related field; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Operations Director). Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies. Strong understanding of production planning, quality control, supply chain management, and industrial safety standards. Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to manage and motivate large workforces. Excellent financial acumen, including experience with budgeting and cost control. Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Experience in the Johannesburg industrial landscape is highly desirable. Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, substantial performance-based bonuses, and long-term incentive plans. Comprehensive benefits include private medical insurance, a generous retirement fund, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a global organization are abundant. The role is based on-site at the Johannesburg facility, providing direct oversight and engagement with the operational team. This position offers the chance to lead a critical manufacturing operation and drive significant business success.