Description/Synopsis:

We’re seeking a hands-on Processing Manager for a large, established manufacturing business, in Harding, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The purpose of the role will be to drive significant operational improvement at its large scale production facility. The successful candidate will oversee all processing activities, manage a large operational team across shifts, interact effectively within a unionised environment, and implement impactful process enhancements with commercial urgency.

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant engineering or technical qualification (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or similar)
• MBA/ MSc / Postgraduate business or management qualification advantageous
• Minimum 10–12 years’ experience in senior processing, manufacturing and production management roles
• Strong staff leadership background (minimum 8 years) in heavy industrial or manufacturing environments
• Proven financial management of largescale budgets and complex cost structures
• Experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence and cost optimisation
• Strong Kaizen, Lean, and quality improvement experience
• Strong understanding of cost drivers, yield, recovery, and production economics
• Willingness to live onsite or within close proximity (non-negotiable)

Main Responsibilities:

• Full accountability for processing operations, including safety, production, quality and recovery
• Lead and develop large multidisciplinary and unionised teams
• Drive operational stability, reliability and throughput optimisation
• Manage and improve cost performance and value recovery
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies
• Oversee major shutdowns, maintenance coordination and capital projects
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and quality standards
• Track and report operational performance using relevant systems and metrics

SoftSkills/Additional Info:

• Strong, visible leadership style with a hands-on operational approach
• Comfortable working in complex, high-risk processing environments
• Practical, grounded decision-maker with good judgement under pressure
• Strong people leadership, coaching and team development capability
• Able to translate strategy into executable operational plans