Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life & disability insurance

Relocation assistance

Executive bonus structure

Career growth and leadership develop

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of our client, seeks an experienced Plant Operations Manager to lead a Richards Bay manufacturing facility. The role drives operational excellence, safety, quality and logistics, while shaping budgets and strategic plans to optimize production and efficiency.

The successful candidate will bring 10+ years in plant/operations leadership within heavy industry, strong safety and environmental compliance knowledge, and a proven ability to mentor a high-performing team in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive plant/operations management experience in heavy industrial/manufacturing.
• Proven track record in driving operational improvements and meeting production targets.
• Strong knowledge of safety, quality and environmental compliance.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning and financial management skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and MES.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve operational performance, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation effectively.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant management team and workforce.
• Implement and manage quality management systems to ensure product consistency and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee maintenance and repair programs to ensure optimal plant equipment performance.

Education

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

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and strategic Plant Operations Manager to lead their manufacturing facility in Richards Bay. This senior leadership position is responsible for the overall management of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, safety, and logistics. You will drive operational excellence, ensure compliance with regulations, and manage budgets to achieve organizational goals. The ideal candidate is a proven leader with extensive experience in plant management, a strong focus on safety and efficiency, and the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team within a critical industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve operational performance, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation effectively.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant management team and workforce.
• Implement and manage quality management systems to ensure product consistency and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee maintenance and repair programs to ensure optimal plant equipment performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in plant management or operations management within a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational improvements and achieving production targets.
• Strong knowledge of safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental compliance.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES).

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
• A challenging and rewarding role in a key industrial location.