Print Operations Manager

Recruiter

The Recruiters

Job Ref

AD180626-4323

Date posted

Friday, June 19, 2026

Location

Durban, South Africa

Salary

R1200 000p/a

SUMMARY

Print Operations Manager - AD180626-4323

POSITION INFO

A leading lithographic print packaging manufacturer requires an experienced Print Operations Manager to drive operational excellence and lead a high-performing production environment. The role focuses on maximising productivity, optimising equipment performance, reducing waste, driving continuous improvement, developing employees, and ensuring compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and industry standards. Reporting to and working closely with the Managing Director, the incumbent will support the achievement of the businesses strategic and operational objectives while fostering a high-performance culture. Responsibilities: Operations & Strategic Leadership

• Lead, coordinate, and oversee all plant operations
• Partner with the MD on major operational, engineering, maintenance, and capital investment decisions to optimise plant performance and business growth.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration across all departments and provide regular feedback on operational performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives. Production Planning & Performance
• Align production plans and schedules with sales forecasts, customer requirements, and business objectives.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, service levels, and delivery commitments are met
• Analyse and monitor productivity, efficiency, quality, and operational performance metrics
• Optimise labour, equipment, material utilisation, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to maximise productivity and minimise downtime and waste. Quality, Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
• Ensure the consistent production of products that meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, waste reduction, process optimisation, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Implement and monitor operational KPIs, corrective actions, and sustainable improvement programmes.
• Foster a culture of quality, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organisation. Maintenance & Asset Management
• Ensure equipment reliability, availability, and performance through effective maintenance planning and preventative maintenance programmes.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to improve asset performance and reduce downtime.
• Support equipment upgrades and capital expenditure initiatives to enhance operational capability and efficiency. Compliance, Health, Safety & Environment
• Ensure compliance with HSE, ISO 9001, customer, legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Promote a safe working environment through proactive risk management, incident investigation, and corrective action implementation.
• Drive environmental and sustainability objectives across operational activities. People Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing production team.
• In partnership with Human Resources, implement succession planning, recruitment, retention, performance management, and employee development strategies.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous learning through effective training and development programmes. Stakeholder & Relationship Management
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal departments, customers, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, Finance, Quality, Maintenance, and Human Resources to achieve organisational objectives and maintain high service standards. Professional Development & Additional Duties
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of printing technologies, manufacturing trends, quality systems, and industry best practices.
• Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned by the Managing Director in support of business and operational objectives. Qualifications & Experience
• Degree or Diploma in Production Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Printing Technology, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years'' proven experience as an operations or plant Manager in a lithographic print manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading large operational teams and managing complex production facilities.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, quality management systems, and production planning.
• Sound knowledge of Litho print packaging manufacturing Key Competencies
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Operational and production management
• Continuous improvement and problem-solving
• Communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management
• Results-driven with a strong customer focus
• Financial and commercial acumen Key performance Indicators (KPI's)
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Production efficiency and productivity
• On-time delivery performance
• Quality and customer complaint metrics
• Waste reduction and material utilisation
• Plant downtime and maintenance effectiveness
• HSE and ISO 9001 compliance performance
• Employee engagement and retention
• Training and succession development outcomes
• Continuous improvement project delivery and savings achieved If you meet the criteria and are ready to make your next career move, please email your updated MS Word CV to