Head of Operations

**Head of Operations**:

- Job Requisition ID: 1896
- Location: Cape Town, ZA
- Company: HENSOLDT SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD

**About the Role**

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of Operations to lead and manage all operational functions involved in the end-to-end delivery of defence radar systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment, and datalink products. The role encompasses procurement, planning, stores management, production, and industrialisation—ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality, compliant products to military and government customers.

This is a strategic leadership position requiring a proven track record in operations management within high-reliability, low-volume production environments.

**Qualifications and experience**
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent.
- Preferably a Postgraduate qualification in Business Management, Engineering Management, or Operations Management.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in operations and/or manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in high-reliability, low-volume production environments (defence, aerospace, or high-tech electronics preferred).

**Key Technical Skills**
- Master Production Schedule/ Material Resource Planning (MPS/MRP), capacity and resource optimisation, workflow efficiency, and delivery performance.
- Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and CAPA for process optimisation and defect reduction.
- Strategic sourcing, supplier performance management, and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)/export control compliance.
- New Product Introduction (NPI), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design to Cost (DTC), and transfer-to-production of complex defence electronics.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, defence standards, configuration management, and audit readiness.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Syspro, Oracle) and operational KPI data analytics.
- Exposure to Radio Frequency (RF), radar, and datalink equipment assembly, integration, and testing.

**Key Responsibilities**

**1. Strategic and Operational Leadership**
- Lead the Operations department to support business growth and contract execution.
- Develop and implement strategies aligned with company objectives, delivery schedules, and quality standards.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and high performance.

**2. Production Management**
- Oversee production of up to 8 surveillance radar systems and 50 datalink radio terminals annually.
- Ensure adherence to quality, cost, delivery, and safety (QCDS) targets.
- Manage capacity planning, resource allocation, and shift scheduling.

**3. Procurement and Supply Chain**
- Manage sourcing of critical components including military-grade electronics, RF components, subassemblies, and fabrication.
- Build long-term supplier relationships ensuring continuity of supply and export compliance.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions.

**4. Planning and Stores Management**
- Oversee MPS, MRP, and inventory management.
- Manage logistics, warehousing, and stores functions.
- Ensure optimal stock levels and traceability in line with defence standards.

**5. Industrialisation and Manufacturing Engineering**
- Drive industrialisation in collaboration with R&D and engineering teams.
- Implement lean manufacturing principles and standardised processes.
- Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design to cost (DTC) initiatives.

**6. Governance, Compliance and Quality**
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and export/military regulations.
- Support audits, inspections, and certification processes.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ERP system traceability.

**7. Financial Management**
- Manage departmental budgets, including labour, procurement, CapEx, and overheads.
- Drive cost-reduction initiatives and efficiency improvements.
- Monitor operational KPIs and report monthly performance.

**8. People Management**
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary operations team.
- Oversee recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
- Foster an engaged workforce aligned with company values and objectives.

**What We Offer**:
**Application Deadline**: 16 September 2025

**How to Apply**:
**Job Segment**:Operations Manager, RF, Logistics, Supply Chain Manager, Performance Management, Operations, Science, Human Resources