Business Operations Manager 302 views31 applications

Overview

One of South Africa’s leading black-owned chemical manufacturers, the business is investing in its next generation of operational leadership and is seeking an exceptional Business Operations Manager to help shape the future of the organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will assume accountability for the entire operational value chain.

The role integrates manufacturing, production, supply chain, procurement, warehousing, logistics, SHERQ, operational planning and people capability into one high-performing operation. Success will be measured by measurable improvements in productivity, profitability, customer service, operational efficiency and organisational capability.

This Role is for You If…

• You enjoy walking the factory floor just as much as presenting operational performance to executive leadership.
• You believe operational excellence begins with people.
• You naturally simplify complexity.
• You see problems before others do.
• You build systems instead of fixing symptoms.
• You develop leaders instead of creating followers.
• You leave every operation stronger than you found it.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Production Leadership

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Develop and manage production plans aligned to customer demand and business priorities.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and equipment utilisation.
• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Lead procurement, inventory management, and warehouse operations.
• Strengthen supplier performance and supply continuity.
• Optimise inventory levels and working capital.
• Improve logistics and customer delivery performance.

Operational Excellence

• Establish operational KPIs and performance dashboards.
• Improve production planning and scheduling.
• Drive process optimisation and cost reduction initiatives.
• Lead operational risk management and business continuity planning.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets.
• Monitor manufacturing costs and operational expenditure.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Partner with Finance to enhance financial performance.

People Leadership

• Build, coach, and develop high-performing operational teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development.
• Lead employee performance and capability development.

SHERQ & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety-first culture across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, quality standards, and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, environmental and safety performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader with:

• 8 – 12 years’ progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years leading production or manufacturing operations.
• Experience within chemical, industrial, FMCG or related manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, supply chain, procurement, warehouse operations, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with experience managing operational budgets and improving profitability.
• Proven ability to build high-performing teams, develop leaders and drive accountability.

Technical Competencies

• Manufacturing Operations
• Production Planning
• Supply Chain Management
• Procurement
• Inventory Optimisation
• Warehouse Management
• SHERQ
• ERP Systems
• Budget Management
• Operational Reporting
• Continuous Improvement
• Operational Risk Management

The Leader We Will Appoint

The successful leader should demonstrate:

• Operational leadership with a strong factory-floor presence.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.
• Commercial awareness and financial discipline.
• A collaborative leadership style.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• A passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Accountabilities

The Business Operations Manager will provide leadership across:

• Manufacturing & Production
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Procurement & Supply Chain
• Warehouse & Logistics
• Inventory Optimisation
• SHERQ & Regulatory Compliance
• Operational Budgeting & Cost Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Operational Performance Reporting
• People Leadership & Capability Development

Why Consider this Opportunity 

You’ll join a business with a proud South African heritage that continues to invest in manufacturing capability, operational excellence and long-term industrial growth. You’ll work alongside an entrepreneurial executive team committed to building a resilient, high-performing manufacturing business that creates lasting value for customers, employees and communities.

Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.