Operations Manager PSP (North West) at Samancor Chrome

Purpose of the Role

• The Operations Manager PSP is responsible for leading the Production and Maintenance Teams in the safe and cost-effective execution of production and maintenance processes, ensuring high-quality finished products.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Lead and manage the production process.
• Develop and review the overall production strategy annually to ensure alignment with the business plan.
• Set and achieve production budgets and production quality targets.
• Ensure adherence to production work management principles to optimise plant throughput.
• Ensure compliance with relevant production standards and specifications.
• Conduct planned Job Observations.
• Monitor and drive production performance.
• Perform standby duties when required.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Ensure the overall maintenance strategy is documented, implemented and aligned with the business plan.
• Drive adherence to maintenance work management principles.
• Optimise planned work, schedule adherence and proactive maintenance.
• Reduce breakdowns and improve plant availability.
• Ensure engineering assets operate at designed capacity.
• Ensure assets are periodically refurbished to maintain their optimal life.
• Ensure adherence to relevant engineering standards and specifications.
• Support standardisation of spares and new plant installations.
• Ensure appropriate audits of assets and supporting documentation.

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality

• Identify and assess baseline and issue-based risks within the area of responsibility.
• Implement appropriate risk mitigation and control measures.
• Ensure SHEQ compliance within the department.
• Utilise the Integrated Management System to analyse trends, identify risks, initiate corrective actions and report SHEQ status.
• Ensure required quality standards are maintained.

People Leadership

• Lead and manage the Production and Maintenance teams.
• Create an enabling climate and culture.
• Manage labour stability and departmental complement.
• Manage performance against agreed targets and competencies.
• Ensure IDPs are linked to performance results and implemented.
• Conduct career discussions and develop identified talent.
• Manage discipline, absenteeism, lateness, overtime and misconduct.
• Coach and develop employees to improve performance.
• Participate in recruitment and selection processes.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, plant availability and operational performance.
• Develop the capability of the Production and Maintenance organisation across the site.
• Promote effective operational practices and performance standards.

Financial & Business Management

• Manage the departmental budget.
• Ensure production and maintenance activities are delivered in a cost-effective manner.

Technical & Operational Knowledge

The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge and experience in:

• Production planning and management
• Plant operations
• Process optimisation
• Maintenance strategy
• Asset reliability
• Plant availability
• Production work management
• Maintenance work management
• Production quality
• Operational cost management
• SHEQ and risk management
• Regulatory requirements
• Continuous improvement
• Operational strategy
• Experience with relevant systems including IMS, EBMS, Chromedoc, MES, SAP and Coupa would be advantageous.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Qualification

A relevant Degree; or National Diploma in one of the following fields:

• Metallurgy
• Chemical Engineering
• Mineral Processing
• Related technical field

Experience

• Minimum 8 years' relevant experience.
• Preferably 2 years' managerial experience.
• Demonstrated experience in production and/or maintenance management.