Senior Operations Manager - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonuses

Equity options

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement planning benefits

Fully remote work from anywhere

Executive coaching and leadership培训

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Operations Manager to lead remote operations for a global client base in industrial automation and MES environments. The role focuses on strategic planning, resource optimization, and delivering high-quality automation solutions from anywhere.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in operations leadership within manufacturing tech, strong MES/SCADA/IoT knowledge, and a track record of cost control and KPI-driven performance. Fully remote with international collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree highly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management with leadership in manufacturing technology or industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans to achieve company goals and improve scalability for remote teams.
• Oversee production planning, supply chain management, and quality control for remote coordination.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a geographically distributed team.
• Implement and refine operational processes to boost productivity and reduce costs.
• Monitor KPIs, analyze data, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Manage budgets and financial performance for the operations division.
• Foster relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies for remote operations.
• Lead complex projects delivering automation solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Strategic planning

Operational analytics

Budget management

Lean Six Sigma

Education

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

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

MES

SCADA

IoT in manufacturing

Industry 4.0 principles

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation solutions and manufacturing execution systems (MES), is seeking a visionary Senior Operations Manager to steer their remote operations. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of operational efficiency, strategic planning, and resource management for our distributed teams. You will drive performance excellence, foster a culture of innovation, and ensure the seamless delivery of high-quality solutions to our global clientele. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing complex operations, a strong understanding of the manufacturing technology landscape, and exceptional leadership skills to inspire and guide a remote workforce. This is an opportunity to shape the future of industrial operations from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic operational plans to achieve company goals and objectives, focusing on scalability and efficiency for remote teams. Oversee day-to-day operational functions, including production planning, supply chain management, and quality control, ensuring seamless remote coordination. Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of professionals across various geographic locations. Implement and refine operational processes to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze operational data, and identify areas for improvement. Manage budgets and financial performance for the operations division, ensuring profitability and resource optimization. Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and internal departments. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and champion the adoption of new technologies and methodologies within the operational framework. Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and company policies, adapted for a remote environment. Lead complex projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery of automation solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is highly preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with a significant portion in a leadership role within the manufacturing technology or industrial automation sector. Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, complex operations, preferably with distributed or remote teams. Strong understanding of MES, SCADA, IoT in manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 principles. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and manage budgets effectively. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a talent for motivating remote teams. Proficiency in operational analytics, performance metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma). Experience with global supply chains and international operations. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and remote-first work environment. Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance-based bonuses, and potential equity options. We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous retirement planning benefits. As a fully remote role, you will have the flexibility to work from any approved location. Opportunities for professional development, including executive coaching and advanced leadership training, are integral to our employee growth philosophy. Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative remote work culture where talent is recognized and rewarded, allowing you to build a career from Pretoria, Gauteng or anywhere else.