Senior Operations Manager - Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Performance bonuses

Modern facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Senior Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing operations in Soweto. You will lead production supervisors, optimize processes, and drive safety and quality across the facility.

You will manage budgets, mentor teams, deploy Lean/Six Sigma, and collaborate with engineering, maintenance and quality control to sustain peak performance and continuous improvement. This role offers growth in a key industrial hub.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of manufacturing operations management experience.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TQM.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, supply chain, and quality control systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and cost-control skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, including planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Lead and develop a team of supervisors and manufacturing personnel.
• Monitor KPIs to drive efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and TQM.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage budgets, costs, and resource allocation.
• Oversee inventory, material handling, and supply chain coordination.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, quality control, and sales.
• Develop maintenance schedules to minimize downtime.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and technological upgrades.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Communication

Problem solving

MES/ERP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/Operations

Tools

MES/ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing operations in Soweto, Gauteng. This pivotal role demands a strong leader with a proven track record in managing production processes, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring high standards of quality and safety. You will be responsible for leading a team of production supervisors and staff, managing resources effectively, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of manufacturing principles, supply chain management, and lean manufacturing methodologies. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a key manufacturing entity in the Gauteng province. Our client is committed to fostering a productive work environment and investing in talent that can lead their operations towards continuous improvement and innovation. We are looking for an individual who can inspire their team and deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of production supervisors, line leaders, and manufacturing personnel.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the manufacturing facility.
• Manage production budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
• Oversee inventory management, material handling, and supply chain coordination to ensure smooth production flow.
• Collaborate with other departments, including engineering, maintenance, quality control, and sales, to achieve business objectives.
• Implement and maintain robust quality control procedures to ensure product consistency and meet customer expectations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and technological advancements.
• Develop and manage maintenance schedules to ensure optimal equipment performance and minimize downtime.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of production planning, supply chain management, and quality control systems.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, control costs, and improve operational efficiency.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP software is a plus.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and leadership capabilities.
• Opportunity to lead and shape manufacturing operations in a key industrial hub.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Support for professional development, training programs, and further education.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on growth and innovation.
• Access to modern manufacturing facilities and technology.