Operations Manager - Automotive Manufacturing

About the role

Lear is seeking an experienced, results-driven Operations Manager to take full responsibility for the manufacturing operations of its Port Elizabeth plant. The successful candidate will lead plant performance improvement initiatives, foster a high-performance culture and employer leadership teams, and build strong teamwork across departments to meet business, quality, safety and productivity targets.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver and exceed the plant's annual budget and financial objectives.
• Ensure quality targets are met across TRIM and JIT operations in a three-shift environment.
• Promote a world-class safety culture and drive zero lost-time injuries and incidents.
• Achieve MOS efficiency targets for TRIM and JIT operations.
• Manage headcount plans, labour forecasts and direct and indirect labour efficiencies.
• Drive productivity and operational efficiency while ensuring zero missed units and minimising production disruptions.
• Oversee engineering projects and ensure they are completed on time.
• Meet inventory targets, eliminate premium freight costs and lost production units.
• Lead management and operational teams to deliver forecast volumes and KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and realise cost savings and operational benefits.
• Build and maintain a unified, accountable, high-performing management team.

Required profile

• National Diploma in Production Management or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years of operations management experience in a TRIM and JIT automotive manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of achieving operational, quality, safety and financial targets in manufacturing.
• Legal authorisation to work in South Africa.

Required skills

• Leadership and people management.
• Planning, organisation and problem solving.
• Accountability and decision making under pressure.
• Customer relationship and stakeholder management.
• Communication and employee engagement.
• Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Candidates apply through the company's applicant tracking system; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Lear is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations.