Group Operations Executive – FMCG

SUMMARY:
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Job Title: Group Operations Executive – FMCG
Department: Operations
Location: Multiple Manufacturing Sites
Employment Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

About Us

Stratogo is a professional recruitment and workforce solutions company specializing in sourcing and placing top talent across various industries.

Our client, a leading FMCG manufacturing group, is seeking an experienced Group Operations Executive to provide strategic leadership across multiple manufacturing sites. This executive role is responsible for driving operational excellence, engineering reliability, production efficiency, quality compliance, continuous improvement, and overall business profitability.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and implement the Group's operational strategy across all manufacturing facilities.
- Drive manufacturing performance, ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
- Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance.
- Standardise manufacturing processes and improve operational efficiencies across all sites.
- Lead all engineering and maintenance functions, ensuring maximum equipment reliability and plant uptime.
- Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance programmes.
- Oversee capital projects, plant expansions, automation initiatives, and equipment installations.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, World Class Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), labour productivity, and waste reduction.
- Prepare and manage operational budgets while driving manufacturing cost reduction initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety Management Systems, HACCP, GMP, ISO, and FSSC standards where applicable.
- Promote a strong Health, Safety, and Environmental culture while ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements.
- Work closely with Procurement, Planning, and Logistics to optimise inventory levels and customer service.
- Lead, mentor, and develop Operations Managers, Engineering Managers, and Plant Managers across the Group.
- Present monthly operational performance reports and strategic recommendations to Executive Management and the Board.

Minimum Requirements

- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering.
- Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) advantageous.
- MBA or Postgraduate qualification in Business Management advantageous.
- Minimum 10–15 years' senior operations management experience within an FMCG manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in an Executive Operations role.
- Extensive engineering, manufacturing, and multi-site operations management experience.
- Proven experience managing large production teams and operational budgets.
- Strong project management experience.
- Thorough knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, OEE, ERP Systems (SAP, Syspro or similar), Food Safety Systems, ISO, HACCP, GMP, Root Cause Analysis, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Sound knowledge of Labour Relations Act, BCEA, Employment Equity Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Skills Development Act, Environmental legislation, and Food Safety legislation.

Skills & Competencies

- Strategic leadership and executive decision-making abilities.
- Strong commercial and financial management skills.
- Engineering and manufacturing expertise.
- Excellent analytical, planning, and organisational skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Coaching, mentoring, and people development capability.
- Change management and continuous improvement mindset.
- Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities.
- Results-driven with exceptional operational leadership skills.

What is on Offer

- Competitive executive remuneration package.
- Opportunity to lead operations across a leading national FMCG manufacturing group.
- Executive leadership role with significant strategic influence.
- Long-term career growth and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Send your CV to: Tasmim.cassim@stratogo.com
Subject Line: Group Operations Executive – FMCG
Important: Only candidates with extensive FMCG manufacturing experience will be considered.
Note: If you do not receive a response within three weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

POSITION INFO:
We are committed to locating the ideal job for you, so we kindly advise against paying for this service. There are no costs associated with securing employment with us.

 

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