Regional Operations Director

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive vehicle

Relocation assistance

Performance-based bonus

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Regional Operations Director to oversee manufacturing facilities in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will drive lean initiatives, optimize supply chain, and ensure safety and quality across sites.

The role requires 10+ years in ops management, with 5+ years in a director-level position managing multiple facilities. The successful candidate will lead diverse teams, manage significant budgets, and partner with Engineering, Sales, and Procurement to achieve strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing operations, with 5+ years in director-level roles overseeing multiple facilities.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or CI methodologies.
• Experience managing large budgets and capital investments.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of ERP/MES systems and industrial safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage manufacturing operations across multiple sites in Polokwane region.
• Lead lean manufacturing and CI initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Oversee production planning, quality control, supply chain, and plant maintenance.
• Develop regional budgets, P&L ownership, and capex plans.
• Mentor and develop plant managers and operations leaders.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Drive efficiency, cost reduction, and profitability initiatives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, R&D, Sales, and Procurement for seamless ops.
• Monitor KPIs and enforce corrective actions to meet targets.

Skills

Lean leadership

Strategic planning

People management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Industrial)

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced Regional Operations Director to oversee its facilities in the Polokwane, Limpopo . This senior leadership position is responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring efficient production, and managing all aspects of manufacturing operations within the region. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles, supply chain optimization, and a strong track record in managing large-scale industrial operations. This is a critical role for a strategic leader who can steer operational improvements, foster a culture of safety and quality, and contribute to the company's growth objectives in the dynamic Limpopo province. You will be instrumental in ensuring that all plants operate at peak efficiency, meet production targets, and adhere to the highest industry standards, thereby reinforcing the company's market position in Polokwane and beyond. This role requires a hands-on approach combined with strategic foresight to manage complex manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all manufacturing operations across multiple sites in the Polokwane region, ensuring alignment with corporate strategic goals.
• Implement and sustain lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Oversee production planning, quality control, supply chain management, and plant maintenance.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, P&L responsibility, and capital expenditure plans for the region.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant managers and operational leaders.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, cost reduction, and overall profitability.
• Collaborate with other departments, including Engineering, R&D, Sales, and Procurement, to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to achieve targets.
• Champion a culture of innovation, safety, and operational excellence throughout the Limpopo operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial), Operations Management, or a related field.
• An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 5 years in a director-level role overseeing multiple facilities.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong experience in managing large operational budgets and capital investments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop large operational teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Deep understanding of safety and environmental compliance in industrial settings.
• Willingness to reside in or near Polokwane , Limpopo .

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary package.
• Significant performance-based bonus and long-term incentive plan.
• Comprehensive medical, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Executive company vehicle.
• Be a key leader in a well-established manufacturing entity in Polokwane .