Senior Manufacturing Operations Leader: Lean & Growth

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health insurance

Company car/allowance

Relocation assistance

Generous PTO and executive leave

Bonus program

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a Soweto facility. You will drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, oversee production, quality, maintenance and logistics, and mentor a team of supervisors and engineers.

The role focuses on safety, efficiency, and cost optimization within an environment of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in manufacturing leadership, financial acumen, and expertise in modern manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or related field is required; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma programs.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with automation and modern manufacturing technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, including production, quality control, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve objectives and improve efficiency.
• Lead and develop a high-performance team of supervisors, engineers, and staff.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Manage plant budget, control costs, and optimize resources.
• Monitor KPIs and drive actions to meet targets for output and quality.
• Collaborate with Sales, R&D, and Supply Chain to maintain alignment and efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Champion safety, quality, and operational excellence across the facility.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Process Improvement

Strategic Planning

Team Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a Soweto facility. You will drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, oversee production, quality, maintenance and logistics, and mentor a team of supervisors and engineers.

The role focuses on safety, efficiency, and cost optimization within an environment of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in manufacturing leadership, financial acumen, and expertise in modern manufacturing