Remote Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Performance-based bonuses

Education allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Plant Operations Manager to lead a manufacturing division remotely. You will drive strategy, optimize production planning, and oversee remote teams to ensure quality and safety standards are met across dispersed operations.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree and 10+ years in manufacturing operations, with 5+ years in senior leadership, and a proven track record in lean Six Sigma, ERP/MES, and data analytics to improve performance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field
• 10+ years in manufacturing operations management
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Expertise in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Strong budget and cost control experience
• Proficiency with ERP, MES, and data analytics tools
• Strong strategic planning and remote leadership skills

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and logistics in a remote setting
• Develop and execute long-term operational strategies to boost efficiency and reduce costs
• Lead and develop remote teams fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet demand
• Manage capital expenditure projects and budgets
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and procurement to align goals
• Advise on adopting new technologies and automation
• Analyze KPIs and implement corrective actions
• Oversee inventory management and supply chain optimization

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

Lean Six Sigma

ERP systems

MES

Data analytics

Remote team leadership

Education

Master's degree

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding entity within the advanced materials sector, is seeking an experienced and visionary Plant Operations Manager to lead their manufacturing division from a fully remote capacity. This is a critical leadership position responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of all plant operations, production planning, and efficiency initiatives. The successful candidate will leverage sophisticated digital tools and virtual communication platforms to manage geographically dispersed teams and processes, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to stringent quality and safety standards. We are looking for a leader with a profound understanding of industrial automation, supply chain logistics, and operational excellence principles, who can drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the market. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence large-scale manufacturing outcomes without the constraints of a traditional office environment, focusing on strategic planning and remote team empowerment. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, highly organized, and possesses exceptional leadership acumen for remote team management.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, and logistics, in a remote setting.
• Develop and execute long-term operational strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Lead, mentor, and develop remote operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Implement and oversee robust production planning and scheduling systems to meet customer demand.
• Manage capital expenditure projects and operational budgets effectively.
• Ensure strict adherence to all environmental, health, and safety regulations across all operational units.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, sales, and procurement, to align operational goals with business objectives.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and automation to improve operational workflows.
• Analyze performance data and KPIs to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee inventory management and supply chain optimization processes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex manufacturing facilities and remote operational teams.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence frameworks.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budget management and cost control.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, MES, and advanced data analytics and visualization tools.
• Exceptional strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to lead and inspire remote teams.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Ability to work autonomously and make high-impact decisions in a remote work environment.

Benefits

• This position comes with a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, a robust retirement savings plan, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Our client values work-life balance and supports remote employees with resources for effective home office setups and ongoing training.
• Employees also benefit from performance-based bonuses and an annual allowance for continuing education.
• This role provides the autonomy and strategic influence to make a substantial impact on the company's operational success, all within a flexible, remote work structure.