Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package

Medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in partnership with a leading Manufacturing & Production client seeks a Plant Operations Manager for our Tembisa, Gauteng facility. This senior role requires strategic leadership to drive operational excellence, safety, and product quality.

You will lead production, maintenance, and logistics; manage budgets; and guide lean and Six Sigma initiatives across cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in manufacturing operations, strong financial acumen, and a proven

Qualifications

• 8+ years in operations management within manufacturing.
• Proven track record in large-scale plant operations and improvements.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and lean practices.
• Budgeting, cost control and cross-functional leadership.
• Experience with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee plant operations including production, maintenance, logistics and QA.
• Develop strategic plans to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost productivity.
• Manage the plant budget and allocate resources effectively.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing operations team.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance and a zero‑accident culture.
• Implement quality management systems to ensure product integrity.
• Collaborate with sales, R&D and procurement to align objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement with lean and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Optimize supplier relationships and supply chain for materials.
• Monitor KPIs and report plant performance to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Decision making

Communication

Negotiation

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/Operations

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the Manufacturing & Production sector, is actively seeking a strategic and results-oriented Plant Operations Manager to lead their facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior leadership position requires a visionary individual capable of driving operational excellence, optimizing production workflows, and ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of large-scale manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and a proven ability to manage complex budgets and cross-functional teams. You will be responsible for the overall efficiency and profitability of the plant, making critical decisions that impact production output and resource allocation. This role is crucial for maintaining our client's competitive edge and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the Tembisa, Gauteng operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, logistics, and quality control.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Manage the plant budget, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are allocated effectively.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of operational staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations, promoting a zero-accident culture.
• Implement and maintain robust quality management systems to guarantee product integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, R&D, and procurement, to align operational activities with business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Manage supplier relationships and optimize the supply chain for raw materials and finished goods.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports to senior management on plant performance.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in operations management within the manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex plant operations and achieving significant operational improvements.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, technologies, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Experience with implementing lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Thorough understanding of health, safety, and environmental compliance standards.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven ability to build and lead effective teams in a demanding production environment.

Benefits

• This position offers an attractive salary package, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical insurance, a retirement savings plan, and ample opportunities for career growth.
• Employees will work with cutting-edge technology and enjoy a dynamic work environment in Tembisa, Gauteng.
• Our client is committed to employee development and provides access to ongoing training and leadership programs.
• This role offers the chance to shape the future of operations in a respected Manufacturing & Production company.