Operations Manager (Steelpoort) at Samancor Chrome

Purpose of the job:

• To lead the Production and Maintenance Teams in the safe and cost-effective execution of all production and maintenance processes, ensuring high-quality finished products.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Strategy:

• Document and review the plant production strategy on an annual basis to ensure that it is aligned with the business plan.

Production Execution:

• Perform planned Visible Field Audits.
• Set and achieve Production Budget.
• Set and achieve Production Quality. 
• Ensure strict adherence to production work management principles to obtain maximum plant throughput.
• Ensure strict adherence to the relevant production standards and specifications.

Maintenance:

• Document and review the overall maintenance strategy on an annual basis to ensure that it is aligned with the business plan.
• Ensure strict adherence to maintenance work management principles (percent planned work, adherence to schedule, number of breakdowns, number of proactive requests) to obtain maximum plant availability at minimum maintenance cost per unit
• produced.
• Manage the Engineering Assets to ensure that they produce at their designed capacity and are periodically refurbished to their original condition to ensure optimal life.
• Ensure strict adherence to the relevant engineering standards and specifications.
• Periodically audit the asset and documentation to obtain maximum standardisation of spares and new plant installations on the site.

People Management

Manage the Department:

• Ensure an enabling climate/culture.
• Manage labour stability by minimising labour turnover.
• Labour complement in line with budget.
• Achieve HDSA/Female targets for the Department.
• Manage performance against set targets and competencies.
• Ensure IDP’s are linked to performance results and implemented as per plan.
• Conduct career discussions and implement actions with all identified talent (quarterly).
• Ensure discipline is maintained (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.).
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels.
• Conduct recruitment interviews.

Safety, Health, Environment and Quality

• Identify and assess level of baseline- and issue-based risk exposures in area of responsibility by considering exposures to the business, financial and legal issues, people, equipment, material, environment, processes, etc.
• Consider the level of risk, apply mitigation and implement control measures for residual risk (set objectives, minimum requirements, etc.).
• Manage SHEQ compliance within the Department through effective use of the Toolbox.
• Utilise the Integrated Management System (IMS) to analyse, identify trends, initiate, mitigate, investigate and report SHEQ status.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Safety Leadership
• Innovation
• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Planning, Organising & Control
• Results Orientation & Implementation
• Systemic Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Aligning Performance for Success
• Building & Maintaining Relationships
• Change Leadership
• Financial & Entrepreneurial Insight
• Acting with Integrity

Requirements

• B.Eng./BSc. (Eng.) Degree, B-Tech Degree or any other relevant degree
• 8 years’ relevant experience, preferably 3 years’ managerial experience in heavy industrial environment

Knowledge and Skills:

• Production, maintenance and operational management.
• SHEQ risk identification, mitigation and compliance management.
• Strategic planning, organising, execution and performance management.
• Asset, budget and cost management.
• Systematic problem solving, decision-making and continuous improvement.
• People leadership, coaching, performance and talent management.
• Stakeholder, customer, supplier and relationship management.
• Effective use of operational, business and information systems.
• Communication, change leadership and implementation.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, cost management and business performance.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and systematic problem-solving principles.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Programs and Samancor Chrome systems, including IMS, EBMS, Chromedoc, MES, SAP and Coupa.

Closing Date: 5 October 2026