Operations Manager - Johannesburg South

Introduction The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all manufacturing, engineering, and operational activities within an industrial refrigeration production environment. The role ensures efficient production, regulatory compliance, cost control, and high-quality output while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. This position plays a critical leadership role in aligning manufacturing performance with business strategy, ensuring profitability, safety, and customer satisfaction Duties & Responsibilities Strategic & Operational Leadership Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives. Drive productivity, cost optimization, and sustainable profitability. Establish and monitor KPIs for production, quality, safety, and efficiency. Provide regular operational reporting for executive leadership. Manufacturing & Production Management Oversee end-to-end manufacturing of industrial refrigeration systems (e.g., chillers, cold rooms, compressors, piping systems). Plan and manage production schedules to meet project deadlines and client specifications. Ensure optimal utilisation of labour, materials, and machinery. Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements. Coordinate fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes. Engineering & Technical Oversight Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams on system design and production feasibility. Ensure adherence to refrigeration standards (e.g., SANS, ISO, pressure equipment regulations). Support R&D and product development for energy-efficient and sustainable refrigeration solutions. Oversee equipment maintenance, plant reliability, and technical troubleshooting. Quality Assurance & Compliance Ensure compliance with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001), SHEQ policies, and industry regulations. Implement and maintain quality management systems (QMS). Ensure all products meet technical specifications and client requirements. Conduct audits and ensure compliance with South African labour and safety legislation. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Management Promote a strong safety culture across manufacturing and site operations. Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Manage risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective actions. Oversee safe handling of refrigerants and hazardous materials. Supply Chain & Logistics Management Oversee procurement of materials, components, and refrigeration equipment. Manage inventory, warehousing, and logistics operations. Ensure efficient coordination between suppliers, production, and project teams. Implement cost-effective sourcing strategies. Financial & Budget Management Develop and manage operational budgets. Monitor production costs, margins, and resource utilization. Identify cost-saving opportunities and reduce waste. Ensure profitability of manufacturing operations. People Management & Leadership Lead, train, and develop multidisciplinary teams (production, engineering, maintenance, QC). Manage workforce planning, performance reviews, and succession planning. Foster a high-performance, safety-focused culture. Continuous Improvement & Innovation Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Drive operational excellence and process optimization initiatives. Improve energy efficiency and sustainability of refrigeration systems. Desired Experience & Qualification Key Role and Responsibilities The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all manufacturing, engineering, and operational activities within an industrial refrigeration production environment. The role ensures efficient production, regulatory compliance, cost control, and high-quality output while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. This position plays a critical leadership role in aligning manufacturing performance with business strategy, ensuring profitability, safety, and customer satisfaction Manufacturing & Production Management Oversee end-to-end manufacturing of industrial refrigeration systems (e.g., chillers, cold rooms, compressors, piping systems). Plan and manage production schedules to meet project deadlines and client specifications. Ensure optimal utilisation of labour, materials, and machinery. Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements. Coordinate fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning processes. Engineering & Technical Oversight Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams on system design and production feasibility. Ensure adherence to refrigeration standards (e.g., SANS, ISO, pressure equipment regulations). Support R&D and product development for energy-efficient and sustainable refrigeration solutions. Oversee equipment maintenance, plant reliability, and technical troubleshooting. Quality Assurance & Compliance Ensure compliance with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001), SHEQ policies, and industry regulations. Implement and maintain quality management systems (QMS). Ensure all products meet technical specifications and client requirements. Conduct audits and ensure compliance with South African labour and safety legislation. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Management Promote a strong safety culture across manufacturing and site operations. Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Manage risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective actions. Oversee safe handling of refrigerants and hazardous materials. Supply Chain & Logistics Management Oversee procurement of materials, components, and refrigeration equipment. Manage inventory, warehousing, and logistics operations. Ensure efficient coordination between suppliers, production, and project teams. Implement cost-effective sourcing strategies. Financial & Budget Management Develop and manage operational budgets. Monitor production costs, margins, and resource utilization. Identify cost-saving opportunities and reduce waste. Ensure profitability of manufacturing operations. People Management & Leadership Lead, train, and develop multidisciplinary teams (production, engineering, maintenance, QC). Manage workforce planning, performance reviews, and succession planning. Foster a high-performance, safety-focused culture. Continuous Improvement & Innovation Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Drive operational excellence and process optimization initiatives. Improve energy efficiency and sustainability of refrigeration systems. Qualifications and Education Requirements What theoretical knowledge/qualifications (e.g. competencies / diploma) does the job require? • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field • MBA or postgraduate qualification (advantageous) • Knowledge of ISO14001, ISO9001, and ISO45001 standards. What experience (e.g. previous exposure) does the job require? • 7–10+ years in manufacturing or heavy engineering operations • 3–5 years in a senior leadership role • Experience in industrial refrigeration, HVAC, or similar engineered systems preferred • Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex production environments Technical Skills: • Knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia, CO₂, HFC systems) • Understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles • Experience with ERP systems, production planning tools, and data analytics • Strong knowledge of ISO standards, SANS codes, and safety regulations • Maintenance and asset management systems Leadership and Management skills • Strong leadership and team management skills. • Excellent knowledge of manufacturing processes and techniques. • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. • Proficiency in