Plant Manager

An exciting full-time opportunity is available for an experienced Plant Manager in Polokwane, Limpopo. This leadership role is ideal for a results-driven manufacturing professional with extensive experience in production management, operational excellence, workforce leadership, and plant performance optimization.

The successful candidate will oversee all plant operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while maintaining high standards of quality, inventory control, equipment reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Job Overview

Position: Plant Manager
Location: Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Manufacturing

Position Purpose

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall management of equipment processing and operational activities across assigned facilities. This includes leading production teams, managing third-party service providers, maintaining compliance with company standards, and ensuring operational efficiency across all plant functions.

The role also focuses on driving continuous improvement initiatives, promoting workplace safety, managing plant costs, and delivering exceptional service to customers and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety, and Environmental Management

• Promote and maintain a Zero Harm workplace culture.

• Implement and monitor health, safety, and environmental strategies.

• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

• Manage safety audits, environmental programs, and compliance initiatives.

• Drive continuous improvement in workplace safety performance.

• Ensure all employees and contractors follow safety procedures and operational standards.

Leadership and Workforce Development

• Recruit, train, and develop high-performing teams.

• Create succession plans for key operational roles.

• Foster employee engagement and productivity through effective leadership.

• Maintain positive relationships with employees, shop stewards, and labor unions.

• Support workforce development and continuous skills improvement.

• Promote a collaborative and performance-focused workplace culture.

Production and Operational Management

• Oversee daily plant operations and production activities.

• Ensure production targets and throughput objectives are achieved.

• Develop and implement operational processes that improve efficiency.

• Monitor plant performance and identify opportunities for optimization.

• Ensure all operational procedures align with company standards and service level agreements.

• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cost Management and Performance Monitoring

• Develop and implement cost-saving strategies.

• Manage plant budgets and operational expenses.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.

• Prepare monthly operational and performance reports.

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity while reducing costs.

• Support long-term business profitability objectives.

Inventory and Stock Management

• Manage inventory levels of hire equipment and raw materials.

• Identify and mitigate stock-related risks and variances.

• Oversee stock audits, cycle counts, and annual inventory reviews.

• Ensure adequate inventory is available to meet customer demand.

• Implement inventory control measures to prevent losses and inefficiencies.

Quality Assurance and Customer Satisfaction

• Develop and maintain quality management systems.

• Conduct quality inspections and operational audits.

• Analyze quality performance data and implement corrective actions.

• Investigate and resolve customer complaints efficiently.

• Ensure products and services consistently meet customer expectations and company standards.

Third-Party Contractor Management

• Manage relationships with external service providers and contractors.

• Ensure contractor compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).

• Monitor contractor performance and operational effectiveness.

• Negotiate cost-effective service agreements.

• Ensure compliance with labor legislation, safety regulations, and company procedures.

Operational Compliance and Governance

• Ensure adherence to all applicable legal, statutory, and organizational requirements.

• Maintain compliance with labor legislation and operational policies.

• Implement and monitor standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Support regulatory audits and compliance assessments.

• Ensure operational systems support business objectives and productivity targets.

Plant and Facility Maintenance

• Oversee maintenance activities for plant machinery and equipment.

• Ensure electrical and mechanical systems operate safely and efficiently.

• Maintain compliance with company maintenance standards and government regulations.

• Support preventative maintenance programs to reduce downtime.

• Ensure facility infrastructure remains operational and well-maintained.

Regional Scope

The successful candidate may support operations across:

• South Africa

• Eswatini

• Mozambique

The role may involve oversight of multiple locations, including large service centers and operational facilities.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or Completed Diploma in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field

• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of production or manufacturing management experience

• Experience working in a unionized industrial environment

• Proven track record in plant operations and workforce leadership

• Experience managing large operational teams and multiple facilities

Required Skills and Knowledge

Leadership and Management Skills

• Strong people management capabilities

• Employee relations and labor relations expertise

• Team development and succession planning

• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills

• Strategic operational leadership

Technical and Operational Skills

• Manufacturing operations management

• Production planning and process optimization

• Inventory and stock control

• Plant maintenance management

• Quality management systems

• Health and safety compliance

Business and Technology Skills

• Commercial and financial acumen

• SAP proficiency

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Microsoft Outlook

• Performance reporting and KPI analysis

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven mindset

• Strong organizational skills

• Excellent communication abilities

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

• High attention to detail

• Ability to perform under pressure

• Adaptability and leadership resilience

Why Apply for This Plant Manager Role?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee large-scale plant operations, drive operational improvements, and contribute to long-term business success.

The position offers exposure to multi-site operations, workforce leadership, continuous improvement initiatives, and strategic decision-making within a dynamic manufacturing environment.