Remote Plant Operations Manager

Placements24; Kempton Park; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

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 from a fully remote capacity. The role combines strategic direction with day-to-day oversight of operations, production planning and efficiency initiatives, leveraging digital tools and virtual platforms to manage dispersed teams while maintaining safety and quality.

The ideal candidate will drive lean manufacturing, supply chain alignment, and capital expenditure management, mentor remote teams, and implement

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, MBA or related field.
• 10+ years in manufacturing ops management; 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Experience with ERP/MES and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage plant ops, including production, maintenance, quality, and logistics remotely.
• Develop and execute long-term operational strategies to boost efficiency and quality.
• Lead remote teams, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, budgets, and capex.
• Ensure EH&S compliance across all units.
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and procurement to align goals.
• Drive adoption of new technologies and automation.
• Analyze KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee inventory management and supply chain optimization.

Skills

Remote leadership

Strategic planning

Data analytics

Problem solving

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Six Sigma

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Engineering, MBA or related field

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Data visualization 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.