REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Location: Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal
Industry: Beverage Manufacturing
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Regional Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing and operational activities at a beverage production facility in KwaZulu-Natal.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, achieving production targets, optimising manufacturing processes and ensuring compliance with quality, safety and financial standards.

This is a senior leadership position requiring strong people management skills, extensive manufacturing experience and the ability to oversee multiple operational functions.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Management

• Oversee end-to-end manufacturing and production operations within the designated region.

• Ensure production targets are achieved in line with operational and customer requirements.

• Review and approve master production schedules.

• Monitor daily manufacturing schedules to ensure timely product delivery.

• Drive operational efficiency, productivity and continuous improvement.

• Ensure effective implementation of operational policies, procedures and controls.

• Identify production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.

Supply Chain & Materials Management

• Participate in end-to-end Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP).

• Contribute to material planning and execution to support production requirements.

• Oversee raw material and packaging management, including receiving processes.

• Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure customer orders are fulfilled on time.

• Optimise material utilisation, operational efficiency and cost management.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with quality assurance procedures, standards and operational controls.

• Oversee quality assessments and implement corrective actions where necessary.

• Maintain high standards of product quality, food safety and manufacturing compliance.

• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

• Identify and mitigate potential product contamination risks.

• Drive continuous improvements in quality performance.

Engineering & Infrastructure Maintenance

• Oversee engineering and maintenance functions to ensure operational reliability.

• Ensure production infrastructure and equipment are maintained to optimal standards.

• Minimise downtime and maximise plant availability and capacity utilisation.

• Support preventative maintenance strategies and infrastructure improvements.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to improve manufacturing performance.

Health, Safety, Environment & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ) requirements.

• Implement and maintain appropriate safety policies, procedures and controls.

• Monitor operational risks and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

• Promote a strong safety culture across all operational departments.

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and statutory requirements.

• Maintain high standards of workplace cleanliness, hygiene and housekeeping.

Financial & Business Management

• Participate in strategic planning, financial forecasting and budgeting processes.

• Monitor operational expenditure and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Analyse cost drivers, financial variances and operational performance.

• Implement initiatives to improve profitability and manufacturing efficiency.

• Ensure adherence to financial controls and operational budgets.

• Support business growth through effective resource allocation and operational planning.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, manage and develop multidisciplinary operational teams.

• Oversee key functions, including Production, Engineering, Quality, Safety and Raw Materials.

• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability across departments.

• Manage employee performance and support professional development.

• Drive teamwork, collaboration and effective communication.

• Build a high-performance culture focused on productivity, quality and operational excellence.

• Provide strong leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Postgraduate Diploma and Professional Registration / NQF Level 8 qualification (essential).

• Relevant experience in manufacturing and operational management.

• Strong background in beverage manufacturing or a related production environment.

• Experience with PET (plastic bottle) and can manufacturing or packaging processes.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience in financial management, budgeting and cost control.

• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience in project management, production planning and operational execution.

• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and email applications.

• Sound understanding of manufacturing quality standards, GMP and SHERQ compliance.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Strong strategic thinking and business management capabilities.

• Ability to translate operational objectives into measurable results.

• Excellent planning, organisational and decision-making skills.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking

• Ability to identify complex operational challenges and implement effective solutions.

• Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to risk management.

• Ability to anticipate operational problems and introduce preventative measures.

People Management & Communication

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to influence and engage senior management and operational teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience developing high-performing teams and promoting accountability.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Passion for operational excellence and process optimisation.

• Ability to identify and implement innovative manufacturing solutions.

• Commitment to improving efficiency, quality and productivity.

• Ability to adapt best practices and emerging technologies to manufacturing operations.

Professionalism & Compliance

• High level of integrity, accountability and ethical conduct.

• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and manufacturing standards.

• Commitment to maintaining a safe, compliant and productive working environment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong technical background, excellent people management capabilities and a proven record of improving operational performance.

Experience in the beverage industry, particularly PET bottling and can production, will be highly advantageous.

The successful candidate must be confident managing multiple departments, comfortable operating at a senior management level and capable of driving efficiencies across an established manufacturing operation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their updated CV highlighting their relevant manufacturing experience, qualifications and leadership capabilities.

Email subject: Regional Operations Manager Application

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.