Chief Operations Officer (Manufacturing)

This position reports directly to the CEO. Manages South African operational divisions, SHEQ department, and Industrial Relations.

 

Primary Objective of the Role
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee and optimise the operational activities of the company’s three South African operating divisions. The COO will manage the SHEQ department and Industrial Relations, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a strong organisational culture. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will play a critical role in driving growth and efficiency within the company.

Primary Duties

Production Management:

• Oversee and optimise operations across the three South African divisions
• Coordinate with Divisional General managers to monitor schedules, resource allocation, and project timelines.
• Develop and implement production management strategies to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime

 

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Implement quality control measures for both production activities to meet or exceed industry standards and customer expectations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry codes, and customer specifications in all operational processes.
• Ensure rigorous quality assurance and compliance with regulatory standard

 

Industrial Relations:

• Lead Industrial Relations to foster a positive and productive workplace culture.

 

Supply Chain and Cost Management:

• Manage the supply chain function, including procurement, inventory management, and supplier relationships, to optimise costs and minimise lead times.
• Engage with Chief Engineer on Global supply chain optimisation
• Implement cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and value engineering strategies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce expenses.

Facilities and Equipment Maintenance:

• Ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of manufacturing facilities, equipment, and machinery to minimise downtime and maintenance costs.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule preventive maintenance activities and address equipment breakdowns or failures promptly.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Management:

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards in all operational and activities.
• Implement safety protocols, provide training, and conduct regular audits to maintain a safe and sustainable working environment.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other departments, including sales, marketing, finance, and human resources, to achieve company goals and objectives.
• Ensure effective communication, coordination, and alignment between operational and engineering teams to support seamless operations and project execution.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor quantitative and qualitative key performance indicators (KPIs) at a divisional level and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports, presentations, and analyses for senior management to communicate performance, challenges, and recommendations for optimisation.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate operational risks to minimise disruptions and ensure business continuity.

 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Engineering Degree (Industrial or Mechanical)
• Post Graduate studies in Business Management i.e. MBA or equivalent
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in production management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental management practices.
• Experience with MRP systems and other relevant technologies.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative and compassionate approach.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in MRP systems and other operational tools.
• Ability to drive innovation and implement new processes and technologies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.