Plant Operations Lead | DSM-Firmenich
Job Location : Gauteng,
Deadline : January 29, 2026
About the Role
This role leads the technical execution of production schedules within a global nutrition and health facility. Utilizing SAP for inventory tracking and AWS for process data analytics, the lead ensures 100% compliance with food safety and HSE regulations. Their leadership mitigates operational risk by optimizing production flows and leveraging data to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency.
Are you ready to lead operations at the heart of innovation? At dsm-firmenich, we’re not just running plants—we’re bringing progress to life. As our Plant Operations Lead (fixed term, 1 year), you’ll be the driving force behind operational excellence, aligning production with strategic goals while fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. By collaborating across functions and deploying the right resources, the Plant Operations Lead inspires teams, optimizes costs, and shapes the future of health, nutrition and care.
Your key responsibilities
- Operational Alignment – Translate business and commercial strategies into actionable plant operations.
- Team Leadership – Directly lead 4 employees and indirectly guide ~30 plant staff and support functions.
- Service Provider Management – Oversee external service partners to ensure seamless support for plant operations.
- Safety & Compliance – Champion SHE (Safety, Health, Environment) leadership and embed a strong safety culture.
- Efficiency & Continuous Improvement – Drive Lean/Six Sigma practices, eliminate waste, and enhance OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery.
- Financial Stewardship – Manage budgets, cost centers, and operational reporting to deliver optimal cost efficiency.
We offer
- Unique career paths across health, nutrition and care- explore what drives you and get the support to shape the future of wellbeing
- A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – you’ll work on what’s next
- Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership
- A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
- Customer-first approach, turning ideas into impactful solutions
You bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Process Engineering, Quality Management, or related field.
- Proven operations leadership experience managing direct and indirect teams in plant operations.
- Strong SHE leadership background, with a track record of driving safety culture improvements.
- Lean/Six Sigma problem-solving expertise, with hands-on continuous improvement project experience.
- Solid financial acumen, including cost control and budget management.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
Career Growth & Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or Operations Management is mandatory. Growth leads toward Plant Manager or Global Supply Chain Lead roles for those who master sustainable manufacturing practices. Engaging in executive leadership bootcamps and specialized workshops on digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0) can unlock senior roles in international life sciences.
Salary & Financial Insight
Estimated monthly salaries for plant leads range from R58,000 to R92,000, reflecting the high technical and strategic complexity of the role. High-earning professionals should prioritize professional wealth management and offshore equity diversification to manage their capital effectively.
Interested and Qualified candidates should Click here to Apply Now
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