Senior Operations Manager

Universal Recycling Company; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above market remuneration

Job summary

Universal Recycling Company (Pty) LTd) seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead a large metal recycling plant. You will oversee production, maintenance, safety, and costs while driving uptime and efficiency.

The role requires a hands-on leader with a trade background and a proven track record in heavy industrial environments. The ideal candidate will have completed a trade qualification and extensive experience in manufacturing plants, heavy industry, and process optimisation.

Qualifications

• Trades background essential; extensive maintenance planning experience required.
• Experience managing plant operations, production, and safety.
• Proven track record in budgeting, cost controls and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all production and operational activities.
• Drive throughput, productivity, and efficiency.
• Manage maintenance teams and ensure equipment reliability.
• Reduce downtime through preventative maintenance and planning.
• Develop and manage production schedules; monitor KPIs.
• Control plant budgets and operating costs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Lead and develop supervisors, artisans and teams.
• Foster accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Industrial leadership

Production management

Maintenance planning

Safety management

Root cause analysis

Equipment reliability

Budget management

People management

Problem solving

Communications

Education

Trade qualification: Electrician, Millwright, Mechanical Fitter

Job description

Introduction

Universal Recycling Company (Pty) LTd, a privately ownedmetal recycling companywith a long-standing presence in the South African recycling industry is seeking a high-calibre professional to join its operations. The organisation is known for its technical expertise, strong governance, and commitment to environmental sustainability and workplace safety.

We are seeking an experienced and highly technical Operations Manager to lead a large industrial manufacturing and processing operation.

This role is suited to an individual who has progressed from a technical trade background into senior operational leadership and has a proven track record of managing production, maintenance, people, safety, and plant performance within a factory or plant environment.

The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the plant, ensuring production targets, maintenance standards, cost controls, and safety requirements are consistently achieved.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all production and operational activities.
• Drive throughput, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Manage maintenance teams and ensure equipment reliability.
• Reduce downtime through preventative maintenance and operational planning.
• Develop and manage production schedules.
• Manage plant budgets and operating costs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Lead and develop supervisors, artisans, and operational teams.
• Establish a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and report on plant KPIs and performance metrics.

Required Technical Competencies

The successful candidate must have strong practical knowledge of:

• Industrial machinery
• Motors and drives
• Conveyors
• Hydraulic systems
• Pneumatic systems
• Gearboxes
• Electrical and control systems
• Preventative maintenance systems
• Root cause analysis
• Downtime management

Candidates must be comfortable discussing machinery, breakdown analysis, maintenance planning, and equipment reliability at a technical level.

Key Leadership Competencies

• Strong operational leadership
• Excellent problem-solving ability
• Ability to lead under pressure
• Strong people management skills
• Decisive decision-making
• High level of accountability
• Hands-on leadership style
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Desired Experience & Qualification

Essential Trade Qualification

Applicants must possess a completed trade qualification in one of the following:

• Electrician
• Millwright
• Mechanical Fitter

Trade Test certification will be required.

Essential Industry Experience

Candidates must have experience in:

• Manufacturing plants
• Heavy industrial facilities
• Processing plants
• Factory environments
• Production operations

Experience within recycling, metals processing, steel manufacturing, engineering, mining, foundries, or similar heavy industrial environments will be advantageous.

Management Experience

Applicants must demonstrate experience managing an entire plant, factory, production facility, or business unit, including responsibility for:

• Production
• Maintenance
• Safety
• Quality
• Labour relations
• Budget control
• Continuous improvement initiatives

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Started their career as a trade tested artisan (Electrician, Millwright or Mechanical Fitter)
• Progressed into supervisory, maintenance, production, and management roles
• Has managed a full plant or factory operation
• Is equally comfortable discussing machinery, maintenance, production, and people management
• Leads from the floor and understands what drives plant performance

Package & Remuneration

Above market related.

Highly negotiable for the right candidate.