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.