Head of Operations

ZEISS Group

Primary duties and responsibilities shall include, but not limited to: -

Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives.
Lead all production and operational activities to ensure efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
Ensure operational processes support customer requirements and business growth.
Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives.
Monitor and report on operational performance against agreed targets.

Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery commitments are achieved.
Optimize production capacity, workflows, and operational processes.
Drive initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and control costs.
Ensure effective management of equipment, facilities, and operational resources.

Lead and oversee the Lens Care and Frame product to drive business growth, profitability, and market competitiveness.
Develop and execute strategies in collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and other key stakeholders.
Drive go-to-market initiatives and commercial excellence across product portfolios
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key customers, partners, and distribution channels to support business expansion.
Lead the development and execution of e-commerce and online sales strategies.
Collaborate with Global teams to support the successful introduction and commercialization of new products and solutions.
Ensure effective product portfolio management, including pricing, positioning, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle management.
Identify and evaluate market opportunities, customer needs, and emerging trends to support future business growth.

Lead and oversee end-to-end supply chain and logistics operations to ensure the efficient and timely movement of products
Manage international and local logistics activities, including imports, exports, customs compliance, and transportation processes.
Build and maintain effective relationships with logistics partners, freight providers, customs agents, and other key service providers
Monitor logistics performance, inventory flow, and supply chain efficiency to support customer service and business objectives.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain and logistics function to enhance service levels, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Ensure compliance with applicable global and local quality standards, OPS Book, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
Lead corrective and preventive actions to address operational and quality issues.
Ensure adherence to ISO and other relevant industry standards.

Develop and manage operational budgets and cost controls.
Monitor key financial indicators including productivity, efficiency, inventory, and operational costs.
Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Support business planning and forecasting activities.

Lead, develop, and coach supervisors and operational teams.
Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Drive employee engagement, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
Ensure workforce capability aligns with current and future business requirements.
Manage performance and address capability gaps within the operations function.

Ensure operational activities support customer satisfaction and service excellence.
Collaborate with Sales, Finance IT,, Supply Chain, Quality, Human Resources, Global teams and other business functions.
Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Resolve operational issues impacting customers and business performance.

Lead operational transformation and improvement projects.
Implement best practices, lean methodologies, and operational excellence initiatives.
Drive digitalization and automation opportunities where appropriate.
Foster innovation to improve operational effectiveness and customer outcomes.
Acting as a ZEISS Ambassador
Adhering to the ZEISS leadership principles and Code of Conduct at all times

Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Management, or related field.
Six Sigma

Minimum 5–10 years' operational leadership experience within a manufacturing, production, healthcare, medical technology, or related environment.
Minimum 5 years' experience leading multi-functional operational teams through managers.
Proven experience managing production, quality, supply chain, and operational improvement initiatives.
Experience leading large teams and driving business transformation.

As an employee at ZEISS, we have amazing benefits to offer you, including:

Maite Nomthandaso Makgai