Role Summary:
We are seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded Operations manager to join a progressive and successful indigenous manufacturing company. Working with the directors, the successful candidate will be part of the SLT. The preferred candidate will drive business growth, monitor financial performance, support operational efficiency, and develop commercial strategies to maximise profitability and long-term sustainability. The role will also include oversight of the production function to ensure alignment with commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Commercial Strategy & Growth
- Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with company goals.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams.
- Lead pricing strategies, contract negotiation, and margin analysis.
- Support the Directors in setting and reviewing business plans and annual budgets.
Financial Oversight & Reporting
- Monitor and analyse financial performance, KPIs, and cost drivers.
- Work with finance to produce regular reports and forecasts to support informed decision-making.
- Collaborate with the finance team on budget management and cash flow planning.
Production Oversight & Operational Management
- Oversee the production function to ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
- Work closely with production staff to improve planning, workflow, and resource utilisation.
- Monitor key production metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure production aligns with commercial targets and customer requirements.
- Collaborate on investment in equipment, technology, or process improvements to support scale and efficiency.
People management
- Strong people management experience or exposure to HR practices is desired
Performance Monitoring & Business Improvement
- Define and track performance metrics across commercial and operational activities.
- Lead cost-efficiency and profitability improvement projects.
- Support procurement and inventory decisions with robust commercial analysis.
Customer & Market Insight
- Maintain strong relationships with key customers and suppliers.
- Conduct market analysis to guide strategy.
Key Skills and Competencies:
- Strong financial acumen with excellent understanding of financial metrics and business drivers.
- Strategic thinking with a growth-oriented mindset.
- Sound understanding of production and operational processes in engineering/manufacturing.
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
- Proficient in Excel and financial reporting tools.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Hands-on, pragmatic, and adaptable - suited to a small business environment.
- Self-motivated and proactive, with a sense of ownership and accountability.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar operations or commercial role.
- Experience in managing or working closely with production teams in a manufacturing or engineering context.
- Can come form MNC or SME
