Plant Operations Leader – Lean, Quality & Safety

LEAR CORPORATION; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Lear Corporation seeks an experienced Operations Manager for the Port Elizabeth plant to lead manufacturing operations, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safety, quality and productivity targets are met. The role requires a dynamic leader who builds cross‑functional teamwork and delivers on key business objectives.

The successful candidate will manage plant performance, drive cost savings, and inspire a high‑performance culture across departments while ensuring alignment with strategic

Qualifications

• Requires relevant tertiary education such as a National Diploma in Production Management or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years Operations Management experience within a TRIM and JIT automotive manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of achieving operational, quality, safety, and financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and exceed the plant's annual budget and financial objectives.
• Ensure achievement of quality targets across TRIM and JIT operations in a three-shift environment.
• Promote a world-class safety culture and drive zero lost-time injuries.
• Achieve MOS efficiency targets for TRIM and JIT operations.
• Manage headcount plans, labour forecasts, and labour efficiencies.
• Drive plant productivity and operational efficiency while minimising disruptions.
• Oversee engineering projects and ensure timely execution.
• Achieve inventory targets and reduce premium freight costs and lost production units.
• Lead plant management and operations teams to meet KPIs.
• Drive CI initiatives and realise cost savings and operational benefits.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Problem-solving

Planning

Communication

Education

National Diploma in Production Management

Job description

Lear Corporation seeks an experienced Operations Manager for the Port Elizabeth plant to lead manufacturing operations, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safety, quality and productivity targets are met. The role requires a dynamic leader who builds cross‑functional teamwork and delivers on key business objectives.

The successful candidate will manage plant performance, drive cost savings, and inspire a high‑performance culture across departments while ensuring alignment with strategic