Permanent - Operations Manager - Ekurhuleni (East Rand) - South Africa

Purpose of the Role:

The Factory Operations Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all production activities within the factory. The role ensures efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacturing processes that deliver high-quality products on time. The manager will drive operational excellence, people leadership, compliance with health & safety standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Operations Management:

Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily factory production activities. 

Ensure production targets, output, quality, and delivery deadlines are met.

Monitor and optimize resource allocation, including manpower, raw materials, and equipment.

Implement and track productivity, efficiency, and cost-saving measures.

Maintain all machinery and equipment in safe working order.

Quality Control & Compliance:

Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015, SANS 1879:2013, and internal quality standards. 

Implement total quality control measures and resolve quality-related issues.

Work closely with QA teams to meet required performance standards. 

Ensure alignment of production processes to health, safety, and environmental regulations.

People Leadership & Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop factory staff to achieve operational objectives. 

Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Address performance management, staff grievances, and disciplinary matters in line with company policies and labour law.

Staff recruitment and complying with Employment Equity goals and targets. 

Identify training needs and drive skills development across teams

Strategic & Financial Management:

Develop and manage annual factory budgets and control expenditure within set limits.

Monitor and report on production KPIs, operational challenges, and opportunities. 

Contribute to strategic business planning, including market trend analysis and competitive benchmarking. 

Support the implementation of organizational values, ethics, and business best practices.

Health, Safety & Environment:

Enforce compliance with OH&S standards and company safety procedures. 

Maintain high housekeeping standards and safe working conditions across the factory. 

Actively participate in safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective actions.

Minimum Requirements:

Grade 12 / Matric.

Tertiary qualification in Production Management, Construction Management, or related field (advantageous).

Certification and or knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, SANS 1879:2013, and OH&S standards. 

Certification in Concrete Technology (SCT10 & SCT20) (advantageous).

IRCA and OH&S training for management

Valid driver’s license.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years’ experience in Production Management.

At least 10 years’ experience in construction/production, preferably in concrete manufacturing. 

Strong background in quality assurance, factory management, and basic engineering.

Skills & Competencies:

Strong leadership and people management skills. 

Excellent knowledge of production processes, planning, and scheduling.

Financial and budget management acumen. 

Ability to implement continuous improvement and problem-solving initiatives. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities. 

Management skills – 300+ employees