Regional Operations Director — Lean Manufacturing & Growth

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

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.