Head of Production Operations (Agri), West Rand

The Head of Production Operations will oversee multiple geographically separated production units, ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and financial performance.

This role drives integration across decentralized production, maintenance, and centralized corporate functions to optimize productivity, sustainability, and asset reliability through:

• Strategic Oversight & Operational Leadership
  • Lead and coordinate operations of three geographically separate production units, ensuring consistent high standards and achievement of production targets
• Resource Allocation & Budget Management
  • Oversee allocation of labor, materials, equipment, and capital budgets across production units
• Maintenance & Asset Management Integration
  • Integrate maintenance planning and execution within overall operational strategy
• Cross-Functional Integration
  • Serve as liaison between production units and centralized functions: HR, Finance, Systems, and Maintenance.
• Standardization & Decentralized Operations Management
  • Develop and implement consistent operational standards, SOPs, KPIs, and best practices tailored for decentralized sites
• Leadership & Talent Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Production Unit Managers and Maintenance teams across all locations
• Reporting & Executive Communication
  • Prepare consolidated operational, financial, and management reports for executive leadership
• Project & Change Management
  • Lead cross-site projects such as irrigation systems, water rights, technology adoption, and sustainability efforts.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Operations Management, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years’ experience in agricultural production or operations management with at least 5 years in senior leadership overseeing multiple sites and maintenance integration.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting tools

This role will suit an experienced operations leader in the agri production industry who has strong strategic planning, financial acumen, project management, and asset management skills. Someone who has a proven ability to integrate decentralized production and maintenance operations with centralized corporate functions.