Senior Operations Manager - FMCG Production

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Leadership training

Job summary

The role requires strategic leadership, strong experience in Lean/Six Sigma, ERP, and production planning, and the ability to balance on-site presence with remote responsibilities under a hybrid work model. A competitive salary and bonus potential accompany comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations management in FMCG.
• Proven track record of managing high-volume production lines.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies.
• Solid knowledge of ERP and production planning software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day production activities, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and production targets.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance productivity, efficiency, and cost control.
• Manage the production team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Optimize supply chain processes, including inventory management, procurement, and logistics, in coordination with relevant departments.
• Implement and champion Lean Manufacturing principles and other process improvement methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure alignment with business goals and product launches.
• Manage the operational budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and mentor supervisory staff and production team members.
• Monitor key operational metrics and provide regular reports to senior management.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Operations management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin. or Engineering

Tools

Production planning software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Manager for their production facility in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This crucial role will lead and optimize all aspects of the production operations, ensuring maximum efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The Senior Operations Manager will be responsible for managing production planning, supply chain integration, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires a strategic thinker with a strong leadership background in high-volume manufacturing environments. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence and achieving ambitious business objectives for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day production activities, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and production targets.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance productivity, efficiency, and cost control.
• Manage the production team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Optimize supply chain processes, including inventory management, procurement, and logistics, in coordination with relevant departments.
• Implement and champion Lean Manufacturing principles and other process improvement methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure alignment with business goals and product launches.
• Manage the operational budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and mentor supervisory staff and production team members.
• Monitor key operational metrics and provide regular reports to senior management.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a significant portion in the FMCG manufacturing sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing high-volume production lines and achieving operational excellence.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and logistics.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Willingness to work on a hybrid schedule, balancing on-site presence in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape with remote responsibilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, an attractive annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a generous pension fund. Employees have access to extensive professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization. This role provides a dynamic work environment with a hybrid model, offering flexibility while ensuring strong operational leadership.