Gauteng: Operations Manager posted by IntelliStaff

• Direct, plan and control all manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, product quality standards, safety requirements, and cost targets.
• Lead and develop the Production Management team to ensure reliable day-to-day operational oversight and staff performance.
• Ensure adherence to aseptic processing standards and sterile facility environmental controls.
• Manage all service providers and toll manufacturing contracts.

 
Maintenance & Technical Systems

• Oversee the Maintenance Department and ensure all equipment, utilities and facilities are maintained to required operating and GMP standards.
• Ensure preventative maintenance programs, equipment validation/calibration plans, and plant reliability systems are executed effectively.

 
Supply Chain & Materials Management

• Manage raw material sourcing, supplier performance, inventory control, cold chain/storage requirements, and finished goods release in collaboration with QA/QC and SCM teams.

 
Financial & Cost Management

• Develop, manage, and control departmental operational budgets, including labour, consumables, maintenance, and utilities.
• Conduct product costing, cost reviews, waste reduction initiatives, and process efficiency improvement projects.

 
Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure operations comply with ISO 9001, cGMP, veterinary biological standards, biosafety regulations, and SOPs.
• Drive continuous improvement in aseptic technique, cleanroom behaviour, and process discipline.

 
Strategic & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide technical and operational input into new product introduction, scale-up, and technology transfer.
• Contribute operational data and performance reports to the Managing Director as required.

 
Essential Knowledge / Experience (min 5 years):

• Management experience in sterile/aseptic manufacturing, preferably biopharma, vaccine, veterinary biologicals or biologics production.
• Demonstrated experience managing both Production and Maintenance teams.
• Strong technical/mechanical knowledge of facility utilities, cleanroom systems, and production equipment.
• Financial and budgeting experience including cost control and forecasting.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment (ISO 9001, cGMP, HACCP, or similar).

 
Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, BPharm, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Additional management or business qualifications are advantageous.

 
Key Skills / Attributes / Position Specific Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people development capability.
• Operational planning and project management.
• Critical thinking, troubleshooting and root cause problem-solving.
• Effective communication and report writing.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Competent in MS Office (Excel, Word) and ERP/MRP systems.