Plant Manager
Manufacturing
Winelands District – Western Cape – South Africa
Join a well-established specialist manufacturing business supplying high-quality engineered goods to local and international markets. Due to a planned retirement, an exceptional opportunity exists for an experienced operations leader to work alongside the current incumbent in a structured long-term handover, ensuring a seamless transfer of operational knowledge before assuming full responsibility for the plant.
You will lead a manufacturing operation of approximately 170 employees through eight direct reports, driving productivity, operational excellence and continuous improvement while remaining highly visible on the production floor.
Minimum Requirements
- Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Degree (essential).
- Postgraduate qualification (essential).
- 10+ years’ senior manufacturing leadership experience.
- Background in FMCG, food, pharmaceutical, packaging, plastics, textiles or similar manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of OEE, Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement.
- Able to understand and communicate effectively in Afrikaans.
- Proven people leadership and labour relations experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily plant operations with a 70% factory floor and 30% administration focus.
- Drive productivity, quality, cost and delivery performance.
- Develop and mentor production managers and supervisors.
- Analyse operational KPIs and implement performance improvements.
- Lead safety, compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Work closely with the retiring incumbent during an extended succession period before taking full responsibility for the operation