Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Company holidays

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager for a Mossel Bay facility. You will oversee all production activities, drive continuous improvement, and lead multiple shifts to ensure quality and safety in a food & beverage environment.

Lead cross-functional teams, implement lean and Six Sigma projects, and manage budgets while driving operational excellence and a strong safety culture. Competitive compensation and growth opportunities available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with food & beverage focus.
• Proven leadership experience managing large production teams and multiple shifts.
• Deep knowledge of lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of food safety, GMP and quality control systems.
• Excellent financial acumen including budget management and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet targets efficiently.
• Develop, implement and monitor production plans to meet demand.
• Mentor supervisors, line leaders and associates to foster a productive environment.
• Drive lean initiatives and continuous improvement to reduce waste.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, quality standards and HACCP/GMP.
• Monitor equipment performance, implement preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Manage departmental budgets and optimize resource allocation.
• Collaborate with QA, Engineering, Logistics and HR for seamless operations.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for all processes.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budget management

ERP/MES systems

Quality & GMP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

MES/ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the food and beverage processing industry, is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager to oversee operations at their facility located in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA . This critical role involves managing all aspects of production to ensure high-quality output, operational efficiency, and adherence to stringent safety and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive leadership experience in manufacturing environments, a deep understanding of process improvement methodologies, and a proven ability to manage large teams effectively. You will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing production workflows, and fostering a culture of excellence and safety. Join a reputable organization committed to innovation and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are met efficiently and effectively.
• Develop, implement, and monitor production plans to meet demand forecasts and customer requirements.
• Manage and mentor a team of production supervisors, line leaders, and associates, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Implement and drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and reduce waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations, quality standards, and food safety protocols (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Monitor production equipment performance, implement preventative maintenance schedules, and oversee troubleshooting efforts.
• Manage departmental budgets, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Collaborate with other departments, including Quality Assurance, Engineering, Logistics, and HR, to ensure seamless operations.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all manufacturing processes.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• An advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with a significant portion in the food and beverage industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing large production teams and multiple shifts.
• In-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, quality control systems, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Excellent financial acumen, including experience with budget management and cost control.
• Exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Commitment to fostering a strong safety culture and driving operational excellence.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive annual salary of Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA .

• Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development are actively encouraged.
• A retirement savings plan with employer contributions is provided.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays are standard.
• Performance-based bonuses are awarded to recognize outstanding contributions to operational success.
• This role offers a significant leadership opportunity within a stable and growing industry.