Senior Operations Manager - FMCG Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Health, retirement, and life insurance

Generous annual leave and holidays

Career development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing

Job summary

Placements24’s client, a leading FMCG producer in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Operations Manager to lead manufacturing with a focus on safe, cost-efficient, high-volume production.

You will drive lean improvements, manage operational budgets, ensure quality and safety compliance, and mentor the production team. This hybrid role blends on-site leadership with strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 7–10 years in FMCG operations management.
• Proven track record in high-volume production.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Leadership, team-building and communication skills.
• Experience managing operational budgets and CAPEX.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and MES.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a hybrid Port Elizabeth-based role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to meet targets safely.
• Develop and implement strategies for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Manage operational budgets including labor, materials, overhead.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance at Port Elizabeth facility.
• Lead and develop the production team for high performance.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished goods.
• Collaborate with supply chain, quality, and engineering to ensure seamless operations.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost productivity and product quality.

Skills

Leadership

Team-building

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is actively seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Operations Manager to oversee their manufacturing facilities in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is essential for ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of high-quality FMCG products. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in manufacturing operations, lean methodologies, and team leadership within a high-volume production environment. You will be responsible for optimizing production processes, managing operational budgets, ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This is a critical leadership position that requires a strategic mind, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for operational excellence. The role involves a hybrid working model, blending on-site operational oversight with strategic planning and reporting. We are committed to attracting top talent who can significantly contribute to our client's continued success and market leadership in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role offers a challenging yet rewarding career path in a vibrant industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations to ensure production targets are met efficiently and safely.
• Develop and implement strategies for process improvement, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Manage operational budgets, including labor, materials, and overhead, ensuring adherence to financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in the Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape facility.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the production team, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Implement and maintain lean manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished goods, ensuring optimal stock levels.
• Collaborate with supply chain, quality assurance, and engineering departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and product quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations management, specifically within FMCG manufacturing.
• Proven track record of successfully managing high-volume production environments.
• In-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills.
• Experience managing operational budgets and capital expenditure projects.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site management with strategic planning in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• A hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.
• Employee wellness and engagement programs.