Plant Operations Lead

dsm-firmenich; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 650 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A global health and nutrition company in Isando is seeking a Plant Operations Lead to drive operational excellence and align production with strategic goals. The role involves leading teams, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or a related field, along with proven leadership experience in plant operations. The company offers unique career paths and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Unique career paths

Growth opportunities

Collaborative team culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Process Engineering, or related field.
• Proven operations leadership experience in plant operations.
• Strong background in safety culture improvements.
• Hands-on experience with Lean/Six Sigma projects.
• Solid financial management and budget control skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Translate business strategies into actionable plant operations.
• Lead a team of 4 employees and guide ~30 staff.
• Oversee external service partners for operations support.
• Champion safety leadership and compliance.
• Drive efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage operational budgets and reporting for cost efficiency.

Skills

Operations Leadership

Lean/Six Sigma

Safety Leadership

Financial Acumen

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or related field

Job description

Job Title: Plant Operations Lead

Location: Isando, South Africa

Are you ready to lead operations at the heart of innovation? At dsm‑firmenich, we’re not just running plants—we’re bringing progress to life. As our Plant Operations Lead (fixed term, 1 year), you’ll be the driving force behind operational excellence, aligning production with strategic goals while fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. By collaborating across functions and deploying the right resources, the Plant Operations Lead inspires teams, optimizes costs, and shapes the future of health, nutrition and care.

Your key responsibilities

• Operational Alignment – Translate business and commercial strategies into actionable plant operations.
• Team Leadership – Directly lead 4 employees and indirectly guide ~30 plant staff and support functions.
• Service Provider Management – Oversee external service partners to ensure seamless support for plant operations.
• Safety & Compliance – Champion SHE (Safety, Health, Environment) leadership and embed a strong safety culture.
• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement – Drive Lean/Six Sigma practices, eliminate waste, and enhance OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery.
• Financial Stewardship – Manage budgets, cost centers, and operational reporting to deliver optimal cost efficiency.

We offer

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and care – explore what drives you and get the support to shape the future of wellbeing.
• A science‑led company, cutting‑edge research and creativity everywhere – you’ll work on what’s next.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• Customer‑first approach, turning ideas into impactful solutions.

You bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Process Engineering, Quality Management, or related field.
• Proven operations leadership experience managing direct and indirect teams in plant operations.
• Strong SHE leadership background, with a track record of driving safety culture improvements.
• Lean/Six Sigma problem‑solving expertise, with hands‑on continuous improvement project experience.
• Solid financial acumen, including cost control and budget management.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels.

About dsm‑firmenich

At dsm‑firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavour, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Our application process

Interested in this position? Please apply online by uploading your resume in English via our career portal (www.dsm-firmenich.com/careers).

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm‑firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds – no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm‑firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.