Job Description

Our client, a leading company in the packaging manufacturing industry, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead its large-scale production facility. This senior role carries responsibility for a workforce of approximately 350-400 employees, including department managers, and oversees a multi-disciplinary packaging manufacturing operation in a unionised environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving productivity, efficiency, cost optimisation, and operational excellence, while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and accreditation standards (ISO 9001:2015, FSSC 22000).
Key Responsibilities

• Full accountability for all packaging manufacturing operations within a 63,000m facility.
• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership to departmental managers and teams across printing, Die-cutting, Finishing, and Corrugating departments.
• Drive productivity enhancement, waste reduction, and continual efficiency improvements.
• Ensure effective planning and scheduling of production to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Oversee capital equipment maintenance and upgrades; manage new equipment installation projects.
• Lead OEE performance management and implement structured reporting systems.
• Champion the adoption of ERP systems and technology-driven solutions for operations optimisation.
• Maintain quality and compliance standards, including ISO and FSSC accreditations, and lead audits.
• Ensure effective labour relations, including engagement with unions and workplace fora.
• Develop and mentor departmental leaders and implement apprenticeship/training programmes to build future skills.
• Participate in executive-level decision making and contribute to company-wide strategy.

Key Personality Traits

• Numerically strong with an analytical mindset.
• Technically oriented with a logical, practical approach.
• Collaborative, persuasive, and effective in conflict resolution.
• A strong, firm leader capable of managing relationships upwards, downwards, and sideways.
• Change agent with proven experience driving cultural and operational transformation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant Engineering degree (BSc, BEng Preferred). Post Grad Business Management or MBA advantageous.
• Minimum 10-15 years' operations leadership experience in large-scale manufacturing, in packaging, printing, plastics, or FMCG.
• Proven track record of multi-disciplinary leadership (managing multiple departments and large staff complements).
• Strong exposure to unionised environments and labour engagement.
• Demonstrated achievements in LEAN manufacturing, OEE implementation, and process optimisation.
• Experience in managing capital projects and facility expansions/modernisations.
• ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 compliance management experience essential.

Why This Opportunity?
This role offers the opportunity to take a senior leadership position in a respected South African packaging business, with scope to influence strategy, culture, and performance at executive level. You'll lead a significant operation, drive modernisation projects, and play a pivotal role in shaping the company's next phase of growth.

Skills Required