Senior Manufacturing Operations Leader - Heavy Machinery

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Company car or car allowance

Generous annual leave and holidays

International travel and training

Executive coaching and leadership dev.

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead all aspects of heavy machinery manufacturing operations, including production planning, resource allocation, workforce management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing, strong Lean/Six Sigma, ERP/SAP and MES experience, and a proven ability to drive efficiency, safety, and profitability across a large-scale operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering; MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing management experience, with 5+ years in leadership of large-scale operations.
• Proven success implementing lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence programs.
• Strong production planning, scheduling, and supply chain management knowledge.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and MES; ability to drive financial performance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to motivate diverse teams; safety and quality focused.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations aligned with strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement production plans and schedules to meet demand and minimize lead times.
• Lead and develop production supervisors, engineers, and line workers.
• Champion lean and continuous improvement methodologies to boost efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Manage the manufacturing budget and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and quality teams for seamless operations.
• Monitor KPIs and implement actions to drive performance improvements.
• Oversee maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and maximize reliability.
• Foster accountability, innovation, and continuous learning within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budgeting

SAP

MES

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA

Tools

SAP

MES

Job description

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead all aspects of heavy machinery manufacturing operations, including production planning, resource allocation, workforce management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing, strong Lean/Six Sigma, ERP/SAP and MES experience, and a proven ability to drive efficiency, safety, and profitability across a large-scale operation.