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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Stable and predictable production flow from raw materials to finished goods.
• Improvement in Production Efficiency.
• Reduction in unplanned downtime and production stoppages.
• Effective workforce deployment and team leadership across all teams.
• Coordination with Quality, Supply Chain, and Distribution teams while maintaining strict operational boundaries.
• Compliance with GMP / ISO22716 standards.

• Direct Reports:
• Inbound Stores Raw Materials & Packaging (One or Two Team Leaders)
• Manufacturing / Blending (One Senior Team Leader)
• Filling & Packing (Three or Four Team Leaders and One Machine Setter)
• Maintenance / Engineering (One Site Manager and One Maintenance Setter)
• Exclusions:
• Quality / Regulatory (Technical Manager)
• Supply Chain (Forecasting, Planning, Procurement, Scheduling)
• Finished Goods Warehouse & Distribution
• Strategic or customer-related decisions

Candidate Profile and Package

• Proven hands-on experience and track record in FMCG / personal care / cosmetics manufacturing.
• Strong background in end-to-end factory operations, including:
• Bulk manufacturing / blending
• Flexible filling & packing operations
• Maintenance and asset reliability
• Knowledge of GMP / ISO22716 standards and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing operational Team Leaders and teams.
• Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and decision-making skills.

• Calm under pressure, with strong operational credibility.
• Able to stabilize operations quickly in an interim or turnaround context.
• Excellent communicator with cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Previous interim management experience in contract manufacturing.
• Exposure to private-label or customer-driven operations.

• 40.00 hours per week - broken down as follows:
• Monday to Thursday from 7:30am to 4.20pm
• Fridays from 7:15 am to 2.25pm

If you have what it takes, we would like to hear from you. Suitable candidates welcome to apply and please note that suitable candidates will be emailed an application form and contacted TELEPHONICALLY to discuss your CV and skillset.