Plant Operations Director: Lean Manufacturing and Safety

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

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.