19 Plant Operation jobs in South Africa

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Production / Operations Manager

(Manufacturing Metal Industry)

First Cut (Pty) Ltd is seeking to employ a competent and experienced Production / Operations Manager to join our dynamic team within the manufacturing metal industry. This role is critical to ensuring smooth operations across all stages of production while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and safety.

Purpose of the Job:

The Production / Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing all phases of manufacturing operations, including production, quality control, maintenance, inventory, expense control, ISO compliance, health & safety, and general building management. They will manage key departments such as Receiving, Dispatch, Stores, Welding, Butchers, Circular Saw, CNC, and Maintenance, among others. The Operations Manager will work closely with the COO to drive factory process improvements, increase productivity, and ensure the overall profitability of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management:

· Ensure the operation meets customer service promises by delivering on-time and accurate orders.

· Oversee production processes to ensure targets are met, improve efficiency, and reduce costs without compromising on quality.

· Regular communication with internal sales teams to ensure alignment of customer commitments with production capabilities.

Asset Management:

· Maintain proper record-keeping for all company assets (inventory, vehicles, machinery, tools, etc.), ensuring all assets are protected, serviced, and accounted for.

· Implement measures to limit asset loss and safeguard company assets with necessary security protocols.

Factory Floor Management :

· Be a visible and active presence on the factory floor, ensuring consistent quality, adherence to processes, and identification of areas for improvement.

· Foster a culture of continuous improvement, eliminating waste and optimising resource use across production lines.

· Lead by example, arriving first and leaving last to ensure smooth operations.

Staff Leadership and Development:

· Provide leadership, motivation, and discipline to ensure the effective operation of the factory, overseeing the supervisors and providing necessary support.

· Manage staff performance through regular appraisals, coaching, and training.

· Ensure a strong company culture by fostering positive relationships, maintaining discipline, and enforcing the company's disciplinary code when needed.

Production and Efficiency:

· Monitor and manage production schedules, ensuring efficiency while meeting targets.

· Remove production constraints, allocate resources effectively, and continuously improve production processes.

· Maintain inventory levels and control the flow of products through the factory.

Quality Control & Compliance:

· Ensure compliance with ISO quality standards and ensure adherence to documented procedures and training.

· Implement "in-line" quality assurance procedures and monitor scrap rates for trends and improvement areas.

Maintenance & Equipment Management:

· Ensure all equipment is well-maintained, operating efficiently, and in accordance with a preventive maintenance schedule.

· Oversee the maintenance team to ensure uptime and minimise downtime.

Health and Safety:

· Maintain and manage environmental health and safety policies, ensuring all team members are trained and compliant with safety standards.

· Promote a superior safety and housekeeping program across the factory floor.

Building & Facility Management:

· Ensure the building is functional, clean, and well-maintained, including repair work and safety systems.

· Ensure CCTV and alarm systems are operational at all times.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs):

· Meeting production and delivery targets.

· Minimising inventory loss (target: <0.3% annually).

· Improving productivity and reducing waste (labour, time, space, energy, consumables).

· Achieving quality standards and consistency.

· Keeping assets (machines, stock, vehicles) in optimal condition.

· Managing the factory floor and staff performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

· On-time delivery relative to promised timelines.

· Achieving an inventory accuracy of 97%.

· Reduction of equipment downtime and optimisation of uptime.

· Minimisation of return stock due to production failures.

· Goals achievement in terms of output vs. salary/wage bill.

Job Requirements:

· Qualification: Degree or Diploma in Business and/or Operations Management.

· Experience: Minimum of 5 years in production / operations management, preferably within the metal industry.

Skills:

· Strong leadership and team management abilities.

· Excellent communication skills for internal and external interactions.

· Experience in production optimization, inventory control, and asset management.

· Solid understanding of health, safety, and quality compliance.

· Analytical skills for identifying production constraints and implementing improvements.

Branch

Johannesburg.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Education:

• Bachelors (Preferred)

Experience:

• Production Operations Manager: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Only people with disabilities.

Production Operator Learnership program for 12 months

Need to be able to stand for long periods. Use both hands for repetitive manual tasks. Operate machinery safely. Lift or carry items up to a certain weight.

Please create a profile to apply for position:

Job Type: Learnership

Pay: R5 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Do you

Location:

• Strand, Western Cape (Required)

Work Location: In person

• Application Deadline: 17 October 2025
• Job Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Job Title: Production Operations Planner
• Education Level: Certificate
• Job Level: Senior
• Minimum Experience: 5- 7 Years

Are you working in manufacturing as the essential link between Sales, the Client, Accounts, and Production, being the "go to" Operations Planner?

Our client based in the Southern Suburbs requires an individual with exceptional attention to detail, follow up and problem-solving skills in order for their full process to be executed well from start to finish.

Must have own transport, well presented with excellent communication skills in English (Afrikaans highly advantageous) ensuring communication with clients is professional and liaised timeously.

Requirements:

• Matric, relevant qualifications advantageous
• Proven experience in a manufacturing or production planning position
• Ability to multitask with excellent attention to detail
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Confident in dealing with clients and internal teams at all levels
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Proficient in MS Office; experience with ERP or planning systems is an advantage
• Own reliable transport is essential
• Well-presented and professional demeanor
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach
• The ability to juggle multiple priorities with a cool head
• A team player attitude with the confidence to take initiative

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily planning of production liaising with the Factory Manager
• Capture & Action Walk in/web/telephone enquiries
• Act as the central point of coordination between Sales, Clients, Accounts, and the Production team
• Update as required
• Update company documents, manage sick notes and medicals
• Maintain strong relationships with clients – liaise directly with clients regarding deposits, order updates, timelines, and delivery expectations
• Plan, schedule, and monitor production workflows to ensure deadlines are met
• Maintain machinery and tools, schedule maintenance and calculate shut down period
• Track orders for procurement and follow up on time of delivery
• Track orders from initiation through to delivery, ensuring all internal and external stakeholders are updated
• Arrange for delivery or collection of samples
• Schedule and confirm installations
• Update whiteboard and brief team on scope of works.
• Assist with stock takes when needed.
• Resolve any operational bottlenecks or issues that may affect production timelines
• Ensure documentation and data are accurate and up to date across systems
• Collaborate with various departments to continuously improve planning processes
• Conduct regular follow-ups to ensure all aspects of the production cycle are on track
• When there are problems initiate solutions to be confirmed by the MD

Back to Search

Kariega Midrand

Job Description
Sovereign, a national supplier of quality chicken products to various markets with operations in five provinces, is seeking a thorough and committed individual for the position of Production and Operations Manager for its Hatchery operations in the Agriculture division. The Production and Operations Manager is responsible for meeting the company's budgeted requirement of quality chicks at a cost. This position reports to the Senior Production Manager and holds the TASK Grade T14. The ideal candidate must be in possession of a degree in an agricultural or commercial field and have 5 years' senior operational experience in Hatchery or Poultry Quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a structured routine for all hatchery operations, defining exact timings for shifts and key activities.
• Ensure full adherence to the operational schedule and implement corrective action for any deviations.
• Develop and maintain a routine reporting system to monitor compliance and performance.
• Define and maintain high performance standards for all hatchery processes.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for all activities and ensure team training and compliance.
• Implement quality assurance systems to assess team performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Control and monitor operational costs within budget.
• Communicate with Broiler Managers, the placement team, and follow all group supply chain requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with BRC and all biosecurity standards.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of all aspects of poultry production methods.
• Great degree of knowledge of all aspects of Poultry physiology and embryology
• Good analytical skills and able to take corrective action
• Strong leadership and managerial competencies
• Excellent communication skills
• High degree of Computer competence
• Must have a passion to succeed and be highly tenacious.
• Driven to achieve results and produce quality

Closing Date: 21 October 2025
As Sovereign is an equal opportunity employer, preference will be given to applicants of designated groups, as defined by the Employment Equity Act.
Apply

Operations & Production Manager - Interim

Artisanal Food Brand

Cape Town | Type: Part-time (with pathway to full-time)

AVAILABLE NOW

Salary: R10 000/month on 3 days/week basis

PLEASE READ: we will not review applications that do not check the following: Women hire - available immediately - 3 year Food sector experience - own & drive car

Leo's Little Jars is a fast-growing artisanal jam company, proudly handmade in Cape Town.

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Operations & Production Manager to join our team as the right-hand to the founder. This is not a corporate desk job; it's a hands-on, dynamic role where your love for food, people, and detail come together.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role in a growing artisanal food brand.

Our ops manager is currently away. We're therefore looking for someone who can join immediately on a part-time basis (3 days/week) to oversee production and operations.

About us: We're a small but mighty, fully women-run team, creating jams that are bold, joyful, and made with care.

• Our founder, Léonore ("Léo"), is French (so yes, there's always a touch of Parisian accent in our kitchen (and occasionally croissants for breakfast)).
• We believe in sustainability, ethics, and empowerment: from the way we source fruit, to the way we treat our team, to the joy we want every jar to bring.
• Our workspace is lively, collaborative, and supportive. We take our craft seriously, but we also laugh a lot, celebrate each season's fruit, and value each person's contribution.

If you're looking for a role where your work has meaning, your ideas are heard, and you're part of a team with heart, you'll feel at home with us. Allez, let's chat

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production & Quality

• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure output, quality, and consistency.
• Monitor and uphold food safety and hygiene protocols.
• Plan and manage production schedules according to seasonality of fruit.
• Maintain close attention to detail across recipes, labeling, and final product quality.
• Support with new product development.

Operations & Procurement

• Manage procurement of fruit, jars, and supplies; liaise with suppliers.
• Track stock and inventory, ensuring accurate records in Excel and accounting systems.
• Coordinate market refills and occasional deliveries.
• Optimize workflow, resources, and costs

Team Leadership

• Motivate, guide, and uplift a growing team of women.
• Foster a culture of fairness, accountability, and growth.
• Provide training and feedback while ensuring high performance standards.

Client & Brand Engagement

• Occasionally represent the brand at weekend markets (selling directly to customers).
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and clients.
• Support the founder with ideas and initiatives to grow the business.
• Right Hand to the Founder
• Support the founder with initiatives to grow the business.
• Not just "ticking the to-do list" but bringing ideas and solutions.
• Be ready to step up and take the reins if needed.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Culinary / food production / hospitality background mandatory.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in food production, hospitality, or operations.
• Proven experience leading or supervising small teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented, accurate, and comfortable with Excel and digital systems.
• Comfortable with high pressure seasonality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and manage staff with kindness and firmness.
• Problem-solving mindset and initiative to improve processes.
• Valid driver's license and own car (essential).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Salary: R10 000 month
• Flexible working hours: 3 days per week - Mon, Wed, Fri, 8am–5.30pm (with occasional additional weekend market work).
• A role where you're not just an employee, but a key part of the brand's growth.
• A positive, creative, women-led workplace.

How to Apply

Send your CV + a short cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit to

Job Types: Part-time, Temp to perm, Learnership

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: R10 000,00 per month

Expected hours: 30 per week

Application Question(s):

• Are you available immediately ?

Experience:

• management : 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Drivers License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Job Description,
Responsible to operate various machines and manual assembly of small electronic components and detonators at BME's manufacturing plant in Rustenburg

,
Overview
,

Responsible to operate various machines and manual assembly of small electronic components and detonators at BME's manufacturing plant in Rustenburg

, Qualifications,

• Grade 12 or equivalent

,
Experience
,

• 1 year demonstrated experience in a production environment
• 1 year demonstrated experience in an assembly
• 1 year demonstrated experience in explosives production

,
Duties
,

• Good housekeeping principles
• Ensure adherence to quality test procedures and product assembly specifications by correct assembly or rejecting substandard assemblies
• Be able to report and record on raw material used
• Be able to read / detect defects using displayed diagrams
• Production output and productivity - meeting daily minimum assembly targets whilst maintaining minimum safety and quality standards
• Ensure that all assembled product conforms to product assembly specification

,
Job Competencies
,

Job Knowledge

• Proven ability to perform duties under pressure
• Ability to meet daily assembly targets
• Good hand-eye coordination

Job Related Skills

• Must be a dependable person that is able to work unsupervised, independently and as a member of a team
• Proven written and verbal communication skills

,
General

• Conduct Safety checks, process pre-start-ups, conduct daily routine inspection
• Operate the plant through PLC and correct deviations accordingly
• Ensure that the handover log sheets is completed accurately.
• Perform analysis on plant water samples as required and report if any deviations.
• Carry out visual inspection, screening, weighing, recording and analysing results from specifications
• Ensure accurate production data is captured in the system
• Basic knowledge of operational machinery
• Comply with governance and compliance policies and procedures, work within established policies, systems, procedures, processes and practices
• Comply with Safety, Health and Environment standards
• Ensure safety and health, sustainability and quality standards are maintained.
• Preform first line maintenance, carry out Visual checks on plant and equipment.
• Records data, such as Process Inputs and Process Outputs
• Operation of dosing stations and chemical supply
• Ensure effective shut down and start-up of RO plant.
• Maintain good housekeeping standards on the plant.
• Correct storage of equipment and chemical stock.
• Continuously evaluate plant operations for improvement opportunities
• Do CIP on equipment as required to ensure plant efficiency.
• Manage chemical stock level and accurate monitoring of consumption.
• Be prepared to work overtime or respond to call-outs if and when required
• Preform first line maintenance.

• A minimum qualification of Grade 12/Matric
• Experience in a manufacturing environment would be an advantage
• Ability to concentrate for long periods during repetitive work
• Ability to act quickly when problems arise
• Shift work required

Responsible to operate various machines and manual assembly of small electronic components and detonators at BME's manufacturing plant in Rustenburg

• Grade 12 or equivalent

• 1 year demonstrated experience in a production environment
• 1 year demonstrated experience in an assembly
• 1 year demonstrated experience in explosives production

• Good housekeeping principles
• Ensure adherence to quality test procedures and product assembly specifications by correct assembly or rejecting substandard assemblies
• Be able to report and record on raw material used
• Be able to read / detect defects using displayed diagrams
• Production output and productivity – meeting daily minimum assembly targets whilst maintaining minimum safety and quality standards
• Ensure that all assembled product conforms to product assembly specification

Job Knowledge:

• Proven ability to perform duties under pressure
• Ability to meet daily assembly targets
• Good hand-eye coordination

Job Related Skills:

• Must be a dependable person that is able to work unsupervised, independently and as a member of a team
• Proven written and verbal communication skills

BTT is currently recruiting for a Gas Plant Operator to join the Richards Bay Gas Plant Operations Team

Main Purpose of the job:

To ensure efficient and safe operation of the Gas Plant. This includes offloading/loading of rail tankers, road vehicles and vessels

Matric with Mathematics and Science

Chemical Operations/related qualification would be advantageous

Minimum 2 to 3 years' experience as Gas Plant Operator in a chemical industry

Process Safety experience would be advantageous

Experience in Bulk Gas Storage Facility/Terminal Operations would be advantageous

Basic understanding of SHEQ systems (ISO45001, ISO14001 & ISO9001)

Computer literate

Connecting and disconnecting gas rail tankers and road vehicles

Recording details of road vehicles/rail tankers before loading

Weighing in and out of road vehicles and/or rail tankers

Ensuring the correct line up of tanks for loading/decanting activities

Controlling the loading/decanting process

Operate compressors and cooling system equipment

Record tank levels/dips

De-pressuring/making safe of equipment and pipelines

Inspecting and reporting all faulty equipment

Participating in emergency response/firefighting activities

Conducting weekly deluge testing