Regional Operations Manager

CHEP; Kraaifontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEP is seeking an accomplished Regional Operations leader for the Western Cape with responsibility for multiple plants and service centers. You will drive safety, quality, cost-efficiency, and customer-focused performance while leading high-performing teams and executing regional strategies.

You will lead continuous improvement programs, manage budgets and capital projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align with corporate objectives and sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years in senior operations leadership in large-scale manufacturing.
• Experience implementing world-class manufacturing tools (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM).
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional operations across multiple plants to deliver safe, efficient, cost-effective performance.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across the region.
• Mentor plant management, develop talent, and build high-performance teams.

Skills

Operations Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

People Management

Budgeting

Strategic Planning

Education

BSc/BTech Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

CHEP helps move more goods to more people, in more places than any other organization on earth via our 347 million pallets, crates and containers. We employ approximately 13,000 people and operate in 60 countries. Through our pioneering and sustainable share-and-reuse business model, the world’s biggest brands trust us to help them transport their goods more efficiently, safely and with less environmental impact.What does that mean for you? You’ll join an international organization big enough to take you anywhere, and small enough to get you there sooner. You’ll help change how goods get to market and contribute to global sustainability. You’ll be empowered to bring your authentic self to work and be surrounded by diverse and driven professionals. And you can maximize your work-life balance and flexibility through our Hybrid Work Model .Job DescriptionKey Responsibilities May Include:Ensure all operational activities within the region fully comply with health, safety, and quality standards, as well as operational procedures to drive regulatory adherence and risk mitigation.Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring plants consistently meet service and quality standards, and foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.Provide leadership and oversight to ensure plants have the appropriate resources and focus to consistently deliver on KPIs, meeting customer satisfaction and operational goals.Continuously improve operational performance in key areas such as health and safety, cost management, product quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.Analyze and track regional cost trends, identifying opportunities for cost efficiency and ensuring that financial performance aligns with budget targets.Lead and implement cost-saving initiatives by recommending, analyzing, and executing efficiency improvements across the region.Actively contribute to the development and execution of the regional supply chain strategy, working closely with cross-functional teams to drive operational consistency and improvement.Lead and mentor plant management teams, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, fostering a collaborative work environment, and supporting professional development.Position PurposeLead and manage regional operations to deliver safe, efficient, cost-effective, and customer-focused performance. Drive operational excellence across multiple plants, develop high-performing teams, and ensure the achievement of business, financial, and strategic objectives.Key AccountabilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and execute regional operational strategies aligned to business objectives.Contribute to the development of supply chain and operational strategies.Drive continuous improvement, productivity, and operational excellence initiatives. Team and People LeadershipLead, coach, and develop Regional Operations and Plant Leadership teams to build a high-performance culture.Create an environment of accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning.Develop talent pipelines, succession plans, and workforce capabilities to meet current and future business needs.Drive performance management processes that enable clear objectives, regular feedback, and high levels of employee performance.Lead employee and industrial relations activities, maintaining constructive relationships with employees, unions, and employee representatives.Build empowered frontline teams with clear ownership for safety, quality, service, cost, and operational performance.Safety, Risk & ComplianceChampion a Zero Harm culture and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.Fulfil legal health and safety responsibilities, including statutory accountability.Ensure compliance with all company policies, labour legislation, and regulatory requirements.Maintain effective risk, security, and asset management controls.Operations ManagementLead the performance of multiple plants and service centres within the region.Strong focus on productivity improvements through engineering and maintenance best practiseEnsure the efficient management of plant operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering.Ensure customer requirements are consistently met through reliable operational performance.Lead the implementation of operational excellence best practises through effective change managementFinancial & Resource ManagementDevelop and manage the regional operating budget.Control operational costs and manage budget variances.Ensure optimal availability and utilisation of hire equipment, raw materials, and assets.Evaluate and manage capital investment projects to support future growth and efficiency.Industrial RelationsMaintain constructive relationships with employees, trade unions, and employee representatives.Lead labour negotiations and manage industrial relations matters.Ensure discipline, grievance, and employee relations processes are fairly and consistently applied.Supplier & Stakeholder ManagementDevelop and maintain effective supplier relationships.Ensure procurement practices support operational requirements and best practice standards.Engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives.Customer Service ExcellenceEnsure operational performance consistently meets customer expectations.Drive improvements in service, quality, and responsiveness.Support the development of solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance.Asset & Infrastructure ManagementEnsure effective maintenance and utilisation of plant equipment and facilities.Identify and support new facility and property development opportunities.Protect and optimise company assets across the region.Key RequirementsBSc/B Tech EngineeringProduction / Operations Management/Supply ChainExperience gained in large scale manufacturing/operational environment·At least 5 years at senior management level leading teams·Strong Commercial and financial acumen·Experience in implementing world class manufacturing tools and techniques like Lean, TPM, Six SigmaSkills and KnowledgePeople ManagementComputer literacyOperationalProductionCommercialSix SigmaLEANOperational MetricsRemote TypeNot RemoteSkills to succeed in the roleChange Leadership, Coaching, Collaboration, Disruptive Thinking, Feedback, Inclusive Leadership, Leading Customer Centric Teams, Mentorship, Motivating Teams, Prioritization, Self-AwarenessWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to developing a diverse workforce in which everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has the opportunity to contribute to business success while realizing his or her potential. This means harnessing the unique skills and experience that each individual brings and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.Individuals fraudulently misrepresenting themselves as Brambles or CHEP representatives have scheduled interviews and offered fraudulent employment opportunities with the intent to commit identity theft or solicit money. Brambles and CHEP never conduct interviews via online chat or request money as a term of employment. If you have a question as to the legitimacy of an interview or job offer, please contact us at [e-mail].