Plant Operations Manager
Engineering
Durban – KwaZulu Natal – South Africa
Plant Manager (Manufacturing) – Durban
Reporting to: General Manager
Purpose of the Role
To lead and manage a manufacturing business unit, ensuring the achievement of operational, financial, and strategic objectives.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12
- Engineering Degree
- Minimum 5 years’ senior management experience in manufacturing industry
3 non-negotiables:
- Strong manufacturing experience
- Ability to come into a chaotic business and systematically work through the mess and clean it out
- STRONG LEADERSHIP – assertive, but not dictatorial.
Key Competencies & Experience
- Strong financial acumen (income statement, balance sheet, ratios)
- Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles
- Good technical and operational capability
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement manufacturing strategy aligned to business objectives
- Lead change initiatives and drive operational improvements
- Approve and oversee production planning
Operations Management
- Optimise plant performance, efficiencies, and resource utilisation
- Manage production, plant projects, and contractor activities
- Analyse production data to identify improvement opportunities
Project Management
- Oversee new product launches and plant readiness
- Manage project timelines, transitions, and implementation
Continuous Improvement
- Drive innovation and benchmarking against best practices
- Monitor industry trends and competitor activity
Financial Management
- Contribute to budgeting and monitor financial performance
- Manage CAPEX, cost control, and asset protection
- Ensure compliance with financial policies and governance
Customer & Supplier Management
- Maintain strong relationships with customers and key suppliers
- Identify and implement improvement opportunities
Quality, SHE & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and quality standards
- Maintain relevant ISO and quality accreditations
- Drive achievement of quality targets
People Management
- Lead and develop teams to achieve performance targets
- Manage workforce planning, recruitment, and training
- Drive performance management, employee engagement, and discipline
- Support transformation and employment equity objectives