OPERATIONS MANAGER - Invader Offroad Campers | Cape Town
A hands-on leadership role for an exceptional problem solver who knows how to make systems work.
Invader Offroad Campers is a growing South African manufacturer of premium off-road camping trailers, designed and built for African conditions.
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join our team and take ownership of the systems, processes, planning and operational discipline that keep our manufacturing operation running effectively.
This is not a role for someone who simply wants to manage people or keep the production floor moving.
We are looking for someone who thinks.
Someone who sees a problem and asks why it happened before deciding how to fix it. Someone who looks for the root cause rather than applying a temporary patch. Someone who understands that a decision made in one department can have consequences three departments down the line.
Most importantly, this person will help ensure that the systems and processes already established within the business are consistently followed, measured and improved - allowing our Managing Director to step back from day-to-day operational firefighting and focus on product development, engineering and the strategic growth of the business.
THE ROLE
The Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring that Invader's operational systems are implemented, followed and continuously improved across the business.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Oversee and coordinate day-to-day operational processes across the manufacturing environment.
- Manage production planning and scheduling to ensure efficient workflow and delivery against deadlines.
- Monitor production progress and identify bottlenecks, delays and potential problems before they impact delivery.
- Maintain and improve production tracking systems, job cards, schedules and operational reporting.
- Ensure that established procedures and processes are followed consistently by managers, supervisors and production teams.
- Hold managers accountable for implementing and maintaining the systems and procedures applicable to their areas.
- Identify deviations from procedures and ensure that corrective action is implemented.
- Investigate operational problems and determine the root cause, rather than simply addressing the immediate symptom.
- Develop practical, sustainable solutions while considering the wider consequences and downstream impact of decisions.
- Assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of SOPs, manuals, work instructions and production processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, quality and communication between departments.
- Assist in establishing measurable operational standards and KPIs.
- Monitor performance against agreed production plans and operational targets.
- Ensure that information flows accurately between departments and that problems are escalated and resolved appropriately.
- Work closely with management to continuously improve operational systems.
- Support the training and implementation of new processes and procedures.
- Maintain accurate operational records and reporting.
- Ensure that shortcuts and workarounds do not become accepted alternatives to established processes.
- Provide management with clear, factual information regarding operational performance, challenges and corrective actions.
- Lead by example and create a culture of accountability, consistency and continuous improvement.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 5 years' management or supervisory experience, preferably within a manufacturing, production, engineering, assembly or similar operational environment.
- Proven experience managing people, processes and production workflows.
- Strong experience in production planning and scheduling.
- Excellent Microsoft Excel skills - this is essential.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
- Experience working with job cards, production schedules, tracking systems and operational reports.
- Experience developing, implementing or managing SOPs, procedures, work instructions or operational systems.
- Demonstrated ability to investigate problems and identify root causes.
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Proven ability to manage and hold other managers or supervisors accountable.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.
- Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
- Valid driver's licence.
A relevant qualification in Operations Management, Production Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Management or a related field will be advantageous, but exceptional practical experience and proven ability will be considered.
THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The successful candidate will be:
- Exceptionally analytical and logical.
- A natural problem solver.
- Solutions-driven, but never at the expense of proper process.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Naturally process-driven.
- Someone who follows procedures - and expects others to do the same.
- Able to distinguish between a temporary fix and a genuine solution.
- Comfortable asking difficult questions and challenging inefficient practices.
- Able to see the bigger picture and understand the consequences of operational decisions.
- Comfortable holding people accountable, including managers.
- Calm and methodical under pressure.
- Proactive rather than reactive.
- Comfortable working with both people and systems.
- Someone who takes ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do.
- A strong communicator who can translate problems into practical solutions.
- Someone who genuinely enjoys figuring out how things work and how to make them work better.
ABOVE ALL ELSE...
You need to be able to think.
If your first response to a problem is "How do I fix this?", you may not be the person we're looking for.
If your first response is "Why did this happen, where did the process fail, what else could this affect, and how do we prevent it from happening again?" - we want to hear from you.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
This is a key position within a growing, entrepreneurial manufacturing business.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with the leadership team, influence how the business operates and make a tangible difference to the efficiency and structure of the organisation.
The successful candidate will be given the responsibility and authority to improve systems, create accountability and make things work better.
This is a role for someone who wants to make a real impact - not simply occupy a management position.
TO APPLY
Please submit a detailed CV outlining your relevant management, manufacturing, production planning, systems and problem-solving experience to [email protected]
Only candidates meeting the minimum requirements and demonstrating relevant operational management experience will be considered.
Invader Offroad Campers is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Pay: R35 000,00 - R55 000,00 per month
Work Location: In person
