Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits package

Bonuses and incentives

Professional development opportunity

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager to balance on-site oversight with strategic, remote coordination. You will lead manufacturing operations, drive lean initiatives, and ensure safety and quality across the facility.

You will collaborate with engineering, QA and R&D to push process improvements, manage budgets, and report performance to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in large-scale manufacturing and cost control.
• Strong knowledge of lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, planning, scheduling and execution.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve quality.
• Lead and develop production supervisors and staff; foster high performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage inventory, supply chain logistics and vendor relationships.
• Champion lean practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering, QA and R&D to drive improvements.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budget and control expenditures; report to senior management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Supply chain management

Team development

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

MBA or Master’s preferred

Tools

MES

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager for their Sandton facility. This hybrid role requires a dynamic leader who can effectively balance on-site operational oversight with strategic planning and remote coordination. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality goods. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and team leadership. You will drive continuous improvement initiatives, implement lean manufacturing principles, and foster a culture of safety, quality, and performance excellence. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape the future of our client's manufacturing capabilities in a key Gauteng location. We are looking for a proactive and results-oriented leader who can inspire teams and deliver exceptional operational results. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining and enhancing our client's competitive edge in the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors and staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations on the production floor.
• Manage inventory levels, supply chain logistics, and vendor relationships.
• Implement and champion lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, and R&D departments to drive innovation and process improvements.
• Monitor operational performance against key metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage the manufacturing budget and control operational expenditures.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on operational performance, challenges, and strategic recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical), Operations Management, or a related field. An MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale manufacturing operations and driving operational excellence.
• Extensive knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and people management skills.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and logistics management.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with hybrid work models, demonstrating effective remote collaboration and on-site leadership.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead operations for a major player in the manufacturing sector in Sandton.
• Significant potential for career advancement and leadership opportunities.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment that fosters innovation.
• Support for ongoing professional development and executive training.
• Performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Access to state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.