Remote Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office stipend

Health insurance

Paid time off

Remote work

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Remote Plant Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing operations from a home office. The role requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across multiple sites remotely.

You will coordinate with on-site teams, optimize production schedules, manage resources, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive plant operations management experience.
• Experience leading remote, multi-site operations in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee remote plant operations across multiple sites.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Coordinate with on-site managers to execute daily tasks and long-term objectives.
• Manage production schedules, material flow, and resource allocation.
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement via lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Monitor KPIs and report to senior management.
• Manage operational budgets and capital expenditures.
• Lead distributed teams with effective communication.
• Utilize ERP and collaboration tools for coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

MBA or Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing player in the manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Remote Plant Operations Manager to oversee operations across multiple sites from the comfort of their home office. This is a critical, fully remote role responsible for ensuring efficient, safe, and compliant plant operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives remotely. You will be instrumental in coordinating with on-site teams, optimizing production schedules, managing resources, and upholding our client's high standards of quality and productivity. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively across different levels of the organization, leveraging technology to bridge the geographical gap. If you are a results-oriented leader passionate about operational excellence, this is an unparalleled opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations remotely, ensuring alignment with production targets and quality standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity across all managed facilities.
• Coordinate closely with on-site plant managers and supervisors to ensure smooth execution of daily tasks and long-term objectives.
• Manage production schedules, material flow, and resource allocation to meet customer demands.
• Implement and enforce strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations at all plant locations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics, reporting findings and actionable insights to senior management.
• Manage budgets for operational expenses and capital expenditures, identifying areas for cost savings.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance among remote and on-site teams.
• Utilize advanced communication and project management tools to effectively lead and manage distributed teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or Chemical), Operations Management, or a related field.
• An MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in plant operations management within the manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple production facilities or complex operational units.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management, production planning, and inventory control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams remotely.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems, production planning software, and advanced collaboration tools.
• Experience in developing and managing operational budgets and forecasting.
• Ability to analyze complex operational data and translate it into strategic decisions.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive compensation package, including a competitive base salary and a significant performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, is provided.
• Employees are entitled to generous paid time off and company-observed holidays.
• This role offers the ultimate flexibility of working entirely remotely.
• Our client is committed to employee development, providing access to executive coaching, leadership training programs, and opportunities to attend industry-leading virtual conferences.
• A home office stipend is available to support your workspace setup.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and all-hands meetings ensure strong connectivity.