Operations Manager

1. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Operations Manager is a role designed to execute robust operational execution. This position comprises senior operational management of the factory assembly and site integration processes.

The incumbent oversees the day-to-day operations at the workshop, optimizes resources to maximize efficiency and productivity, and ensures strict alignment between approved engineering designs and actual manufacturing output. This role holds primary accountability for the in spec, on-time, on-budget physical construction and integration of all systems.

2. CORE PORTFOLIO & KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

2.1 Workshop Manufacturing Operations & Project Management

Direct the structural manufacturing and physical customization of the eHouse product line in the workshop. Project management responsibilities are strictly focused on workshop execution and site team scheduling.

· Frame Construction & Shell Erection: Oversee the physical frame construction, structural assembly, shell erection, and final transport prep of the eHouses at the workshop.

· Panel Customization & Building: Coordinate and oversee the assembly, wiring, and custom building of PLC, IoT, metering, LV drive panels, and customized Switchgear to approved electrical workpacks.

· Workpack Verification & Issuance: Push engineering teams for the timely delivery of electrical workpacks and issue complete, verified, "Approved for Construction" (AFC) mechanical workpacks to internal crews and subcontractors.

· Sub-Contractor Supervision: Lead and supervise third-party sub-contractors in the workshop, including Rigging, HVAC, and Fire Protection system installers.

· Resource Optimization: Ensure optimal utilization of workshop labor, equipment, and space to minimize material waste, eliminate production bottlenecks, and maintain strict quality control.

2.2 Resource Scheduling & Field Integration

Manage logistics, site integration, and civil works to execute seamless handovers of energy drive solutions:

· Field Team Deployment: Schedule and allocate internal electrical construction teams and supervisors across the workshop and various field sites to optimize resource loading.

· Site Integration Works: Manage the on-site electrical and mechanical integration of the eHouse, including supervising civil foundations preparation, rigging, and physical transport logistics.

• Milestone Tracking: Monitor project progress against master schedules (Gantt charts), proactively identify resource constraints, and execute contingency plans to keep site works on schedule.

· Cross-Functional Liaison: Collaborate closely with internal Project Managers to resolve operational blockers, coordinate transport logistics, and align site schedules with client readiness and team capacity.

2.3 Materials & Procurement Management

Own the technical material planning and supply chain interface for the complete eHouse product life cycle:

· Bill of Materials (BOM): Prepare detailed and accurate engineering BOMs incorporating all mechanical, electrical, and site installation components for a complete build, using the Group’s Sage ERP system.

· Procurement Interface: Partner with the Supply Chain department to align on BOM procurement strategies, ensuring that the buyer is provided with material lists timeously to eliminate material or component lead-time delays.

• RFQs & Sourcing Support: Provide technical input on Request for Quotations (RFQs) to third-party suppliers for civil works, specialized rigging, heavy logistics, and external eHouse shell fabrication; assist the procurement team with bid evaluation.

2.4 Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Maintain absolute technical and operational compliance across the workshop and site environments:

· Safety Leadership: Implement strict workshop and site-specific safety protocols in collaboration with the HSE Officer, conducting toolbox talks, ensuring correct PPE usage, and mitigating risk during high-hazard operations (rigging, heavy lifting, structural assembly). Ensure compliance with client site safety standards and policies.

· Quality Control & Auditing: Develop and enforce quality control measures for both steel fabrication and panel integration to ensure zero non-conformances against project engineering standards.

· Code Adherence: Enforce strict compliance with local and international electrical construction codes, national building regulations, and heavy transport compliance guidelines.

3. ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTING & TEAM STRUCTURE

This role maintains a direct line of operational accountability to the VP of Group Operations. The position holds full operational leadership over a multi-skilled workshop and field site workforce. The reporting structure is outlined as follows:

· Direct Reports:

• 3x Construction Supervisors (highly skilled leads managing workshop panel builds, eHouse construction, equipment integration and field installation crews).
• 1x Office Supervisor (overseeing workshop administration, document control, timesheets, and HR matters).

· Total Team Size: A total staff complement of 23, comprising electrical artisans, artisan aides, and administrative personnel.

Requirements4. SUCCESS PROFILE

4.1 Technical & Academic Knowledge

· Engineering degree or diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering.

· Post-graduate qualification or certification in Business Administration, Leadership, or Project Management.

· General knowledge of electrical panel construction, LV/MV drives, PLC/IoT customized systems, and Switchgear configuration.

· Strong understanding of eHouse structural compliance, structural steel fabrication, HVAC integration, fire protection, and heavy transport/rigging guidelines.

· Knowledge and awareness of regional building standards (e.g., North American, Euro code compliance, SANS codes) and national electrical construction safety regulations.

· Eligible to work in South Africa.

4.2 Required Experience

· Minimum 10 years of experience in electrical/mechanical engineering construction management, or specialized structural manufacturing operations.

· Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary construction crews, workshop panel assembly, and complex on-site field installation projects.

· Strong experience in logistics coordination, heavy machinery rigging, and managing third-party specialty installation subcontractors, including HVAC, fire suppression, and rigging contractors.

· Proven track record of managing a manufacturing workshop team and delivering specialized infrastructure on schedule and under strict budget boundaries.

Benefits

• Discovery Group Life benefit
• Discovery Medical contribution
• Gap Cover contribution
• Cell Phone allowance
• Bonus scheme