Plant Manager

Recruiter:

Smith Garb & Associates

Job Ref:

JHB008073/CW

Date posted:

Friday, June 5, 2026

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

SUMMARY:

Plant Manager

Lead a High-Performance Manufacturing Operation

A leading South African manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to take full responsibility for a large, highly mechanised production facility.
This senior leadership opportunity is suited to an accomplished manufacturing professional with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering sustainable business performance within a complex production environment.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction across production, engineering, maintenance, quality, safety and people management functions.
Drive operational performance through continuous improvement, process optimisation and waste reduction initiatives.
Ensure production targets, quality standards and customer requirements are consistently achieved.
Oversee maintenance planning and execution to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
Manage site budgets, forecasts and operational costs to support business objectives.
Lead workforce planning, succession development and performance management initiatives.
Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental and legislative requirements.
Partner with internal stakeholders to support operational and strategic business goals.

Minimum Requirements

Relevant tertiary qualification in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years' manufacturing experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.
Demonstrated experience managing a highly mechanised manufacturing operation.
Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and process optimisation principles.
Proven experience managing production, maintenance, quality and operational performance.
Sound financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and cost management.
Working knowledge of ERP systems such as Syspro or similar.
Sound understanding of South African labour legislation and health and safety requirements.

Advantageous

Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or Business Leadership.
Formal Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or related process improvement certification.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned manufacturing leader to take ownership of a complex operation and contribute to the continued success and growth of a well-established organisation.
If you meet the above requirements and are ready to lead a high-performing manufacturing facility, we invite you to apply.

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