Plant Operations Manager - Manufacturing

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Profit-sharing

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Life insurance

Professional development

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Plant Operations Manager for its Vereeniging facility to lead manufacturing, lean initiatives, and safety compliance. The role drives production efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement across the plant.

You will mentor supervisors, manage schedules and budgets, coordinate with maintenance and quality teams, and ensure health and safety standards. A strong background in lean, Six Sigma, ERP systems, and production planning is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations management with a track record of improving efficiency and productivity.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience managing budgets and controlling operational costs.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in manufacturing.
• Experience working in Gauteng region, particularly Vereeniging, is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet targets efficiently and safely.
• Develop strategies for operational excellence, including lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage production schedule, resources, and inventory to optimize workflow and minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead, mentor and develop production supervisors and staff.
• Monitor KPIs related to productivity, quality, cost and safety; take corrective actions when needed.
• Manage plant budget and identify efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality control and supply chain to ensure seamless operations.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Problem solving

Decision making

ERP systems

Production planning software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering/Mechanical Engineering/Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing firm specializing in consumer goods, is seeking a highly competent Plant Operations Manager to oversee their facility in Vereeniging . This role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of high-quality products. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing operations, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles and process optimization. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned operations leader to drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the sustained success and growth of the company within the Gauteng industrial hub. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of plant operations and a large workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are met efficiently and safely.
• Develop and implement strategies for operational excellence, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage the production schedule, resource allocation, and inventory levels to optimize workflow and minimize downtime.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the plant.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, line leaders, and operational staff.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, quality, cost, and safety, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Manage the plant budget, controlling operational costs and identifying areas for efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality control, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with a proven track record of improving efficiency and productivity.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement tools.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and controlling operational costs.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in the Gauteng region, particularly in industrial areas like Vereeniging , is advantageous.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary package, along with an annual performance-based bonus and potential profit-sharing opportunities.
• The company provides comprehensive medical aid, a retirement annuity, and life insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including further training and leadership programs, are readily available.
• Our client is committed to fostering a safe and productive work environment, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• This is a significant opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to contribute to a growing business.