Job Summary
Location: Pretoria, Watloo Reports to COO Working hours: Monday to Friday: 08:00- 17:00 Our clients Manufactures plastic composite shutter boards using upcycled plastic materials and is looking for a Plant Operations Manager. The Operations manager is responsible for coordinating and executing day-to-day manufacturing activities within the plant. Key Duties and Responsibilities Operational Management Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and deadlines are met Manage input material, processing, and manufacturing workflows to maximise efficiency Ensure consistency of multi-layer plastic board composition, including control of raw material blends and processing parameters Monitor machine performance and ensure optimal utilisation of plant equipment Develop and implement production schedules Develop and implement corrective action plans when targets are not me Health, Safety & Compliance Ensure strict compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards and company policies Enforce safe operation of heavy machinery and high-temperature processing equipment Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions Quality Control Ensure products meet required specifications and quality standards Implement and monitor quality assurance processes Address production defects and implement continuous improvement initiatives People Management Lead, supervise, and develop production teams, supervisors, and technicians Conduct performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes where necessary Ensure adequate staffing levels and shift planning Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety Maintenance & Equipment Management Work closely with maintenance teams to minimise downtime and process efficiency Ensure proper handling and care of equipment used in plastic processing C ost & Resource Management Monitor production costs and identify cost-saving opportunities Manage raw material usage (plastic inputs) to reduce waste Control overtime, labour costs, and operational expenses Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency and sustainability Implement process improvements and best practices Support innovation in eco-conscious manufacturing processes Reporting & Administration Prepare operational reports on production, downtime, safety, and costs Analyse data to support decision-making Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance documentation Minimum Requirements Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Process Control, or related field Relevant certifications in Health & Safety (e.g., SAMTRAC or equivalent) advantageous Experience Experience in a manufacturing or plant environment Proven experience managing manufacturing and production processes Experience in plastic processing, recycling, or similar industries advantageous Demonstrated leadership and people management experience Technical Skills and Abilities Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and plant operations Knowledge of plastic melting, extrusion, or similar production systems (advantageous) Familiarity with OHS Act and safety compliance requirements Strong problem-solving and analytical skills Ability to read production data and implement improvements Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems Behavioural Competencies Strong leadership and decision-making ability High attention to detail and quality Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Proactive and solution-oriented mindset Working Conditions Plant-based role with exposure to machinery, heat, noise, and industrial environments May require shift work, overtime, or standby depending on operational needs