Site Manager

Location: 

Umbogintwini, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, 4120

Pillar:  AECI Mining
Pay Grade:  DU
Date Closing:  Nov 25, 2026

Purpose of the Job:

 

  • To provide strategic leadership to Umbogintwini: Emulsifiers & Coatings business towards the achievement of AECI Mining Chemicals strategic corporate objectives
  • To ensure a streamlined value chain for the achievement of On Time in Full (OTIF) supply to the market.
  • Achieve Safety, Environmental, Quality and OEE targets of plants

 

Required outputs: Functional

 

  • Prepare the annual manufacturing unit budget and forecast all capital expenditure and fixed costs proposals and responsible for the manufacturing budget
  • Monitor and manage costs to ensure efficiency, margin protection, and long-term financial sustainability
  • Provide strategic leadership to Emulsifiers & Coatings Operations teams, setting clear objectives and goals aligned to organisational goals and objectives
  • Direct and oversee all aspects of Chemical Operations, including production planning, process optimization, and resource management
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration within the manufacturing workforce
  • Lead and develop a large multidiscipline team, ensuring effective communication, training and development opportunities
  • Promote a culture that supports high performance through performance management and employee engagement
  • Develop and implement 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 Chemicals performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary
  • Develop and implement maintenance strategies to ensure the efficient operation and upkeep of manufacturing assets, minimising downtime and maximising productivities
  • Drive initiatives to enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship for the manufacturing sites
  • Will have risk and legal compliance authority – as appropriately delegated
  • 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
  • Ensure compliance to EHS standards as related to MHI Chemical manufacturing facilities
  • Enforce compliance with SHE standards and drive a safety culture that supports zero-harm objectives
  • Ensure safety, health, process safety, sustainability and quality standards are maintained
  • 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 Chemicals in engagements with regulators, customers, suppliers, government entities, and industry bodies to advance business interests and maintain corporate reputation

 

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills Requirements

 

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline (Chemical, Mechanical and Electrical)
  • Knowledge of regulations relating to chemicals manufacturing facilities
  • Proven knowledge of physical supply chain activities (logistics, warehousing, IBP and customer services) 
  • Minimum 10 years Chemicals production plant manufacturing and engineering maintenance experience with 5 years senior operations management leadership
  • Strong background in engineering, industrial equipment management, and plant maintenance strategies with world class manufacturing experience (manufacturing excellence)
  • Experience in operations of continuous and batch chemicals plant facilities - process plant, utilities, warehousing etc
  • Proven record of accomplishment of success in managing major hazardous installations, asset management and overseeing large CAPEX projects
  • Knowledge and application of key manufacturing systems and tools
  • Working knowledge of labour law and experience in dealing with unionised workforce

 

Key Competencies

 

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong negotiator with the ability to engage at all levels
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organisation
  • Analytical and problem - solving abilities
  • Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
  • Technical mindset and decision-making skills
  • Ability to develop, implement and effectively manage a business strategy
  • Resilient and self-motivated
  • Flexibility and ability to work under pressure

 

 

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Requisition ID:  2274