Plant Operations Director

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 2,600,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Substantial annual bonus

Executive medical benefits

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, South Africa, seeks a visionary Plant Operations Director to lead strategic direction and operational execution for a major manufacturing facility. You will drive efficiency, safety, quality, and cost optimization across production lines and support functions.

The role requires extensive heavy-industry experience, 10+ years in plant leadership, and an MBA is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical) or Operations Management.
• MBA or relevant Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in plant management or operations leadership in manufacturing.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale operations with P&L responsibility.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methods.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Experience in Rustenburg or North West is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for plant operations.
• Oversee production, maintenance, quality control, supply chain, and safety.
• Lead continuous improvement to cut waste, boost productivity, and reduce costs.
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and environmental standards.
• Manage P&L, capex, and resource allocation.
• Mentor and develop plant management and hourly workforce.
• Foster safety, accountability, and innovation across the facility.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D on new products and processes.
• Maintain relationships with regulators and community stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

P&L management

Lean/Six Sigma

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering or Operations Management

MBA preferred

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading industrial manufacturing firm, is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Plant Operations Director for their facility in Rustenburg, North West. This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational execution of the manufacturing plant. The Director will drive efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety across all production lines and support functions. This is a critical position demanding extensive experience in heavy industry, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to lead and inspire a large workforce in the North West region. The candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's manufacturing capabilities in Rustenburg.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for plant operations, aligning with corporate objectives and market demands.
• Oversee all plant functions including production, maintenance, quality control, supply chain, and health & safety.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize costs across the plant.
• Ensure adherence to the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Manage the plant's P&L, capital expenditure budgets, and resource allocation effectively.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant management team and hourly workforce.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation throughout the facility.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams on new product introductions and process improvements.
• Maintain strong relationships with local regulatory bodies and community stakeholders in Rustenburg and the North West.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical) or Operations Management.
• An MBA or relevant Master's degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant management or operations leadership within the manufacturing sector, preferably in heavy industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale manufacturing operations with significant P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety regulations and environmental compliance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in Rustenburg or the broader North West province is an advantage.

Benefits

• highly competitive base salary
• substantial annual bonus
• comprehensive executive medical benefits
• a generous retirement fund
• relocation assistance if required