Operations Manager

We are seeking a hands-on Interim Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our private-label personal care manufacturing facility for a 12-month period. Position based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.

This is a fully operational role, reporting to the Interim Managing Director, focused on stabilizing and maintaining efficient, compliant production.

The factory operates to GMP / ISO22716 standards, with strict separation of Quality, Supply Chain, and Distribution functions.

The Interim Operations Manager will have full authority over the Operations teams, ensuring production targets, equipment reliability, and workforce efficiency, GMP standards are consistently met.

Why This Role Is Attractive

• Clear, well-defined 12-month mandate with operational ownership.
• Hands-on, fast-paced environment where decisions have immediate impact.
• Opportunity to stabilize and improve an ISO22716-compliant production facility.
• Work alongside the interim Managing Director and strong functional teams, without political distractions.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead Operations including:
• • Inbound Stores (Raw Materials & Packaging)
  • Manufacturing / Blending
  • Filling & Packing
  • Maintenance / Engineering.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day production flow, meeting efficiency and production targets and standards and ensuring compliance with SOPs.
• Maintain operational KPIs including production targets, production efficiencies, stock accuracy.
• Implement and monitor preventive maintenance programs.
• Identify bottlenecks and lead problem-solving initiatives with Team Leaders, Quality and Maintenance.

Compliance & Collaboration

• Operate in full cooperation with the Technical Manager / Quality team to ensure GMP / ISO22716 compliance.
• Liaise with Supply Chain Manager and team and Finished Goods Team Leader as needed to support production scheduling and product handover.
• Ensure safe working practices, hygiene, and factory cleanliness are maintained.

Team Management

• Lead the Team Leaders.
• Optimize workforce deployment, including temp labour, to meet production requirements.
• Maintain high morale and ensure clear communication across Team Leaders and shifts.

Reporting

• Provide regular operational reports on KPIs to the MD.
• Escalate strategic, cross-functional, or regulatory issues to the MD as required.

Key Deliverables (12-Month Objectives)

• Stable and predictable production flow from raw materials to finished goods.
• Im
  
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