Operations / General Manager

POSITION : Operations / General Manager
LOCATION : Roodepoort

Purpose of the role
The purpose of an Operational Manager / General Manager is to oversee the Logistics, Production, and Maintenance departments in our manufacturing environment. This individual will be a strategic leader with a hands-on approach, responsible for driving operational excellence and ensuring the seamless integration of our ERP system across all key operational areas.

The role will also include regular reporting to the Technical Director providing updates on performance metrics and continuously improving efficiency in the manufacturing and logistics processes.

OCCUPATIONAL AND DECISION-MAKING LEVEL

Top Management
Controls the functional integration of the business. Determines the overall strategy and objectives of the business. Directors the company into the future. The nature of the work is long-term. Sign-off on policy or strategy.

Senior Management
Knowledge of the entire business area / company or group. Provides input for / formulation of the overall organizational strategy. Translates the overall strategy into business plans for the company, thereby operationalizing organizational strategy. Implements and manages business plans, goals and objectives to ensure the achievement of overall key organizational outputs.

Manages the development of innovation and change.

Professionally qualified & Experienced Specialists / Mid-Management
Professional knowledge of sub-discipline or discipline. Provides input for / formulation of the organization business plans. Formulate and implement departmental / team plans that will support the business plans. Optimization of resources (Finances, people, material, information and technology) to achieve given objectives in the most productive and cost-effective way.

Skilled Technical & academically qualified / Junior Management / Supervisors / Team Leaders
Applies broad knowledge of products, techniques and processes. Evaluates procedures and applies previous experience. A good solution can usually be found. Determines own priorities. What must be done is stipulated; but may require initiative in terms of how it should be done.

Semi-skilled & discretionary decision making
Accountable for the direct product, process or service quality. Incremental improvement of existing processes and procedures according to clear guidelines. Choosing of correct action based on set standards, training procedures and experience.

Unskilled & defined decision-making
Steps to accomplish work or processes are clearly defined and understood. Tasks are repetitive and uncomplicated, and the work cycle is short.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and / or certification
Essential : Bachelor's degree or diploma in Chemical / Industrial / Mechanical / Mechatronics / Electronic / Electrical Engineering.
Advantageous : MBA / MEM, Operations Management, Project Management, or related business qualifications.

Experience and skills
Minimum of 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, food processing, chemical processing, or FMCG environments (with at least 5+ years at Supervisory / Management level). Proven experience in overseeing production, maintenance, and logistics operations within a manufacturing environment. Experience with mechanical / process / control systems design, as well as embedded systems, C language programming, instrumentation, and PLCs is advantageous. Proficiency in MS Office, MS Projects, and strong IT skills to effectively manage ERP systems. Demonstrable understanding of process, electrical, and mechanical engineering principles, control systems, and production methodologies. Strong understanding of quality control principles and FSSC, OHSA standards.

Competencies
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate diverse teams across multiple departments. Excellent project management and change management skills, with experience in managing cross-functional projects. Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to identify and implement process improvements. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams. Strong understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and their application to manufacturing and production processes. Ability to drive operational excellence through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

Unique work conditions

Overtime and / or availability during weekends might be required due to operational requirements.

OUTPUTS / KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPA) & KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)

1. Operational Leadership & Accountability : Full accountability for the management of the Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Logistics departments in relation to the manufacturing process. Oversee day-to-day operations while ensuring smooth coordination between departments to meet production and operational goals. Supervise the Production Manager, Maintenance Manager, and Logistics Manager who will report directly to this role.
2. ERP Systems & IT Integration : Lead efforts to ensure that the ERP system is fully optimized for operations, manufacturing, and dispatch processes. Work closely with the IT department to ensure the ERP system ties into finance, inventory, and order management for improved efficiency. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the ERP system and implement improvements as needed.
3. Business Planning & Performance Management : Contribute to the development of annual and long-term business plans, aligning with company objectives. Forecast performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring targets are met and exceeded. Develop business cases for key activities and projects to drive growth and operational efficiency. Estimate the financial and human resources required to achieve performance targets. Manage and report on departmental performance, holding direct reports accountable for achieving their objectives. Take corrective action as needed to ensure that business goals are met.
4. Budgeting & Cost Management : Oversee the development and execution of capital project budgets, including plant upgrades and modifications. Ensure costs are managed efficiently, implementing cost-saving initiatives where applicable. Implement a cost-monitoring system, including utilities such as water and electricity, and manage associated expenses.
5. Operational Compliance & Risk Management : Monitor and review departmental performance and behaviors to ensure compliance with company policies and relevant regulatory codes. Stay informed of changes in legislation and ensure the organization remains compliant with all applicable regulations, including FSSC and OHSA standards. Implement and manage change within the organization, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.
6. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization : Lead continuous improvement initiatives to drive productivity, reduce costs, and eliminate waste across the organization. Drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives to streamline processes, enhance quality control, and optimize overall operational performance. Monitor capacity utilization and propose changes to improve efficiency and reduce inefficiencies. Ensure Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) is maximized by identifying and addressing areas of improvement.
7. Project Management & Principal Relationships : Oversee and manage key technical projects, including the formation and management of project teams to deliver objectives. Manage and maintain principal relationships within the operational area and identify opportunities for system improvements that enhance relationship management.
8. Team Development & Capability Building : Identify individual team development needs and provide guidance for career development and training. Ensure that all relevant training records and invoices are submitted in a timely manner to HR. Foster a culture of continuous learning and high performance within the teams.
9. Key Result Areas (KRAs) : Contribute to and influence the overall manufacturing strategy, ensuring alignment with company goals. Ensure the efficient management of raw materials, packaging, and products throughout the production cycle. Monitor production progress against the production plan and implement necessary adjustments to ensure targets are met. Optimize plant performance to achieve prescribed operational efficiencies and eliminate unaccounted losses. Plan resources and daily priorities in alignment with the production plan. Monitor and analyze inefficiencies, capacity utilization, and OEE, driving improvements where necessary.
10. Reporting : Provide monthly and quarterly feedback to the Technical Director on operational stats, progress, and areas for improvement. Ensure regular and transparent communication with senior management regarding performance metrics and ongoing projects.