Operations Manager
Engineering
KwaZulu Natal – South Africa
Operations Manager
Automotive Manufacturing | South Africa
A global, well-established automotive components manufacturer is looking for a Operations Manager to take full ownership of a 110-person production facility.
Reporting to the Managing Director, this role is responsible for driving plant performance, production efficiency, quality standards, and cost control in a high-volume, precision manufacturing environment.
The role
- Lead full plant operations across production, quality, and supply chain
- Drive output, efficiency, and cost optimisation
- Implement and improve lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure strict adherence to automotive quality and compliance standards
- Lead, develop, and manage a shift-based production team
- Oversee budgets and operational performance
- Ensure health, safety, and ESG compliance
- Provide reporting and input into strategic direction
You
- Engineering degree (essential)
- 10+ years in automotive manufacturing operations
- Proven experience managing a plant or large production function
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and lean principles
- Track record of improving efficiency and performance
- Strong leadership and decision-making capability
- Comfortable in a structured, international business environment