Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Plant Operations Manager for our Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead production, maintenance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement, driving efficiency and ensuring targets are met while upholding the highest safety and environmental standards.

The role requires a strong operational background, exceptional leadership, and extensive experience managing large-scale manufacturing processes within a complex facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant operations management within manufacturing.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale industrial facilities and diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain and financial principles.
• Demonstrated experience with Lean and Six Sigma continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in managing budgets and controlling operational costs.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily plant operations, including production, logistics, maintenance, and administration.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve objectives and boost productivity.
• Oversee personnel management, including hiring, training, performance management, and fostering a positive environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Manage the plant budget, controlling costs and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement initiatives including Lean and Six Sigma.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions to achieve targets.
• Maintain communication with management, employees, suppliers and authorities.
• Oversee capital expenditure projects and ensure efficient implementation of new equipment.
• Ensure product quality standards and foster a culture of quality excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Lean Six Sigma

Budget management

Change management

Operations optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Ops Mgmt, or related field

Master's degree is a plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major industrial manufacturing company with significant operations, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Plant Operations Manager to oversee their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior leadership position is responsible for all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. You will lead a large team of professionals and operational staff, driving efficiency and ensuring that production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility. The ideal candidate will possess a strong operational background, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of large-scale manufacturing processes. This role is crucial to the company's success in the region and offers a significant opportunity for career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily plant operations, including production, logistics, maintenance, and administration.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve company objectives and enhance productivity.
• Oversee the management of personnel, including hiring, training, performance management, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Manage the plant budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for operational savings.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions as needed to achieve operational targets.
• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders, including corporate management, employees, suppliers, and local authorities.
• Oversee capital expenditure projects and ensure efficient implementation of new equipment and technologies.
• Ensure product quality standards are consistently met and drive a culture of quality excellence throughout the plant.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant operations management within the manufacturing sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale industrial facilities and diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and financial principles.
• Demonstrated experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in managing budgets and controlling operational costs.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make critical decisions.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive salary package, including a substantial performance-based bonus, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. Relocation assistance may be provided. This position is based at our client's state-of-the-art facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offering a challenging yet rewarding career in a key industrial region.