Senior Operations Manager at Hire Resolve

Job Description

• A leading personal care manufacturing company is looking for an experienced Senior Operations Manager with strong experience in manufacturing operations, plant reliability, asset management, maintenance leadership, and operational excellence to join their team in Amanzimtoti. This role will be responsible for overseeing bulk manufacturing operations, maintenance, and facilities management to ensure reliable plant performance, improved productivity, cost control, and operational efficiency across a complex manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead bulk manufacturing operations to ensure reliable supply to production lines
• Drive maintenance excellence and improve asset reliability across all equipment and facilities
• Improve operational performance through OEE, productivity, and process optimisation initiatives
• Oversee facilities and infrastructure management across the site
• Manage maintenance budgets, preventative maintenance programmes, and asset lifecycle planning
• Control maintenance stores and spare parts inventory
• Support the implementation and utilisation of SCADA, IoT, and digital factory technologies
• Drive cost reduction and operational efficiency initiatives across labour, utilities, and maintenance spend
• Develop and lead high-performing teams across maintenance, production, and facilities functions
• Champion sustainability initiatives relating to water, energy, waste reduction, and environmental performance
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and operational standards

Requirements:

• Degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Proven senior leadership experience within manufacturing operations and/or maintenance environments
• Strong experience in plant reliability and asset management, including MTTR and MTBF improvements
• Demonstrated success in driving manufacturing KPI performance, including OEE, productivity, and cost control
• Experience managing complex facilities or multi-site operations
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, cost control, and capital expenditure planning
• Strong health and safety leadership experience with a focus on Zero Harm principles
• Experience within FMCG or personal care manufacturing environments advantageous
• Exposure to SCADA, IoT, or digital manufacturing systems advantageous
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification advantageous
• Experience with ERP-integrated maintenance planning systems advantageous