Plant Operations Lead

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Plant Operations Lead for our Durban facility. You will oversee day-to-day operations across production, maintenance, logistics and safety, with a focus on optimizing performance and ensuring on-time delivery.

This leadership role requires hands-on experience in lean manufacturing, production planning, and resource allocation, plus the ability to drive continuous improvement while maintaining a safe, compliant work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years experience in plant operations management in manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience managing diverse operational teams.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Proficiency in production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills focused on efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, logistics, and safety, to ensure efficient and cost-effective performance.
• Develop and implement operational plans and procedures to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Manage departmental budgets and control operational expenses.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to minimize disruptions and downtime.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Production planning

Scheduling

Resource allocation

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing industry , is seeking a proactive and experienced Plant Operations Lead to manage day-to-day operations at their facility in Durban . This role demands a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in optimizing plant performance, ensuring safety, and driving efficiency across all operational departments. You will be instrumental in maintaining production schedules, managing resources effectively, and fostering a safe working environment for all employees. This is a crucial position for an individual looking to lead and innovate within a dynamic production setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, logistics, and safety, to ensure efficient and cost-effective performance.


• Develop and implement operational plans and procedures to meet production targets and quality standards.


• Manage departmental budgets and control operational expenses.


• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations throughout the plant.


• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and continuous improvement.


• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to minimize disruptions and downtime.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in plant operations management, preferably in a manufacturing setting.


• Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven ability to manage diverse operational teams.


• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles and operational best practices.


• Proficiency in production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on operational efficiency.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and annual bonus based on plant performance.


• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.


• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development in Durban .


• A challenging yet rewarding work environment within the thriving manufacturing sector.


• Paid time off and support for ongoing training and certifications.