Director - Manufacturing Operations

Reference: JN -072026-87269_1785823783

A well-established industrial manufacturing organisation is seeking an accomplished Director - Manufacturing Operations to lead a large-scale production business through its next phase of operational excellence, transformation and growth.

This is a rare opportunity for a proven manufacturing executive to shape strategy, optimise performance and lead a high-performing operation within a complex, engineering-led manufacturing environment. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll be responsible for driving operational performance, profitability, continuous improvement and organisational capability across multiple manufacturing functions.

The Opportunity:

As a member of the executive leadership team, you will develop and execute the manufacturing strategy, ensuring operational excellence across production, engineering, quality, supply chain and continuous improvement.

This role requires a commercially minded leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution while building a culture focused on safety, accountability, innovation and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership

  • Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy in support of business growth and long-term objectives.
  • Lead a large, multidisciplinary manufacturing operation, driving a high-performance culture across all functions.
  • Partner with the executive team to deliver strategic initiatives and operational excellence.
  • Build leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and succession planning.

Operational Excellence

  • Drive productivity, efficiency and operational performance across the manufacturing business.
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, throughput and profitability.
  • Champion operational excellence through data-driven decision-making and performance management.
  • Oversee manufacturing planning, production execution and customer delivery performance.

Commercial & Financial Performance

  • Take full accountability for operational budgets, cost management and manufacturing profitability.
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimise operational costs.
  • Monitor key business metrics and implement strategies that support sustainable financial performance.

Transformation & Innovation

  • Lead operational transformation initiatives, including automation and digital manufacturing improvements.
  • Drive the adoption of modern manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Foster a culture of innovation that supports long-term operational competitiveness.

Governance, Safety & Quality

  • Ensure the highest standards of health, safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Lead risk management initiatives and strengthen operational governance.
  • Promote a workplace culture built on accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.

About You:

  • Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical or a related Engineering discipline.
  • Postgraduate qualification in Business, Engineering Management or a related field will be advantageous.
  • Extensive senior leadership experience within complex manufacturing environments.
  • Proven success leading operational transformation, productivity improvement and manufacturing excellence initiatives.
  • Strong commercial acumen with accountability for operational performance, profitability and cost management.
  • Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing large multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence and continuous improvement principles.

Preferred Experience:

We're particularly interested in leaders with experience in:

  • Heavy industrial manufacturing
  • Engineering or industrial products
  • Mining equipment manufacturing
  • Automotive components
  • Chemicals or process manufacturing
  • Packaging or advanced manufacturing
COMPETITIVE SALARY
Added 04/08/2026
Reference: JN -072026-87269_1785823783

Director - Manufacturing Operations

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Permanent Energy Resources

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