Operations Manager – Industrial Refrigeration

About the role

The Operations Manager will lead all manufacturing, engineering and operational activities for an industrial refrigeration production facility. Reporting to senior leadership, the role ensures efficient output, regulatory compliance, cost control and continuous improvement while supporting the company’s strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business goals, monitor KPIs for production, quality, safety and efficiency.
• Oversee end‑to‑end manufacturing of chillers, cold rooms, compressors and piping systems, managing schedules, labour, materials and machinery.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to ensure design feasibility and adherence to SANS, ISO and pressure‑equipment regulations.
• Maintain ISO‑based quality management systems, conduct audits and ensure compliance with South African labour and safety legislation.
• Promote a strong HSE culture, manage risk assessments, incident investigations and safe handling of refrigerants.
• Control procurement, inventory, warehousing and logistics to optimise supply‑chain efficiency.
• Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor production costs and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Lead, train and develop multidisciplinary teams, driving a high‑performance, safety‑focused environment.

Required profile

• 7–10+ years of experience in manufacturing or heavy‑engineering operations, with 3–5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering; MBA or postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• Proven experience in industrial refrigeration, HVAC or similar engineered systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex production environments and multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills

• Knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia, CO₂, HFC) and thermodynamics/heat‑transfer principles.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, production planning tools and data‑analytics techniques.
• Strong understanding of ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, SANS codes and safety regulations.
• Experience with maintenance and asset‑management systems.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.