Operations Manager: IS

Location: 

Modderfontein, GT, ZA, 1609

Pillar:  AECI Mining
Pay Grade:  EL
Date Closing:  Feb 26, 2026

Purpose of the Job

  • To provide strategic and operational leadership to the IS business towards the achievement of AECI Mining strategic corporate objectives.
  • Drive the execution of business and operational to achieve sustainable growth and market leadership.
  • Optimize the use of resources (fiscal, people, assets, and market presence) to improve plant performance, reliability and availability (for ultimate profitability improvement).
  • Lead high-performing operational teams by fostering a culture of accountability, capability development, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Ensure plant operational excellence through continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Promote digital transformation and innovation to enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and competitive advantage.
  • Drive operations/ manufacturing plants’ OEE and On Time In Full (OTIF) supply to market

Required outputs: Functional

  • Create a clear and actionable plant production plan, as aligned to the Mining Operations strategy.
  • Provide strategic leadership to IS Operations
  • Direct and oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production planning, process optimization, and resource management.
  • Continuously evaluate plant operations for improvement opportunities
  • Ensure the plant can keep running to meet the required output levels, i.e. includes but not limited to, development and execution of a plant reliability strategy and plan.
  • Define, design, and implement, plant efficiency and effectiveness (process) improvements
  • Manage Asset Care in the IS complex
  • Ensure execution of strategies to drive manufacturing excellence, focusing on improving efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Ensure execution and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and track manufacturing performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Drive initiatives to enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship for the plant.
  • Will have risk and legal compliance authority – as appropriately delegated
  • Develop accurate annual budgets and forecasts for capital and operational expenditures, aligned with corporate guidelines and priorities.
  • Monitor and manage costs to ensure efficiency, margin protection, and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for the plant; ensure implementation and monitoring of mitigation plans.
  • Ensure compliance with internal governance frameworks, policies, procedures, and systems across all operational and commercial activities.
  • Compliance to EHS standards as related to the Plant as a National Key Point
  • Enforce compliance with SHE standards and drive a safety culture that supports zero-harm objectives.
  • Ensure safety and health, sustainability and quality standards are maintained and minimize incidents
  • Maintain legal and regulatory compliance to uphold the plant’s license to operate, including adherence to company standards and applicable legislation.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure execution and delivery of operational strategies and plans.
  • Work closely with front-end, sales, marketing, and technical teams to align on market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities.
  • Represent AECI Mining in engagements with regulators, customers, suppliers, government entities, and industry bodies to advance business interests and maintain corporate reputation
  • Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and excellence through performance management and recognition practices.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop direct reports and broader operational teams to build

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills Requirements

  • Chemical or Engineering degree
  • Knowledge of regulations relating to manufacturing and logistics
  • Supply and demand planning knowledge
  • 9 – 12 years production and manufacturing experience with 2 years senior operations management leadership
  • Experience in operations of explosives plants
  • Experience in world class manufacturing experience (Manufacturing Excellence)
  • Experienced in production management
  • Knowledge and application of key manufacturing systems and tools
  • Technical knowledge of production
  • Working knowledge of labour law
  • Product and machinery knowledge

Personal attributes

Competencies (skills, knowledge and characteristics)

  • Leadership
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work in a matrix organization
  • Strategic thinking
  • Problem solving skills
  • Coaching and mentoring ability
  • Analytical
  • Decisive
  • Resilient
  • Flexibility and ability to work under pressure

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Requisition ID:  1074