Operations Manager

Lear For You

We work hard for the people who work for us. We champion our teams and foster collaboration, inclusion, respect and excellence. Because we want to be more for you.

A path to a better career. A better future.

Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, manufactured millions of products and earned a long list of awards. Year after year, we’re named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

They’re the secret to our success—empowered, inventive and inclusive. Passionate about their craft. Driven to succeed. Because we win together.

Are you ready for a better career? A better future?

Job Description

We are seeking a results-driven and experienced Operations Manager to take full responsibility for the manufacturing operations of the Port Elizabeth plant.  The successful candidate will lead plant performance improvement initiatives, foster a high-performance culture and employer leadership teams to consistently achieve operational objectives.  This role requires a dynamic leader who can build strong teamwork across departments, drive continuous improvement and ensure the achievement of key business, quality, safety and productivity targets.

Responsibilities

• Delivering and exceeding the plant's annual budget and financial objectives.
• Ensuring the achievement of quality targets across TRIM and JIT operations within a three-shift manufacturing environment.
• Promoting a world-class safety culture and driving zero lost-time injuries and incidents.
• Achieving MOS efficiency targets for both TRIM and JIT operations.
• Managing headcount plans, labour forecasts, and direct and indirect labour efficiencies.
• Driving plant productivity and operational efficiency while ensuring zero missed units and minimising production disruptions.
• Overseeing engineering projects and ensuring successful execution in line with approved project timelines.
• Achieving inventory targets while eliminating premium freight costs and lost production units.
• Leading plant management and operational teams to deliver forecast volumes and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Driving Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives and ensuring targeted cost savings and operational benefits are realised.
• Building and maintaining a unified, accountable, and high-performing management team.

Education Requirements

• Relevant tertiary education such as a National Diploma in Production Management or equivalent qualification. 

Experience Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years Operations Management experience within a TRIM and JIT automotive manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of achieving operational, quality, safety, and financial targets within a manufacturing setting.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High levels of accountability and ownership.
• The ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong customer relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Effective communication and employee engagement capabilities.
• A passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lear Corporation is committed to fair, merit‑based employment practices and equal opportunity.

We provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law. For assistance during the application process, contact your recruiter directly.

Applicants must submit their resume for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located. Unsolicited resumes from search firms, employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.