Head of Operations - PPR
sulzer
| Company | sulzer |
| Category | Operations & Admin |
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Director |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 11 Aug 2026 |
| Last verified | 11 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (workday) |
Description
Sulzer ist ein führendes Ingenieurunternehmen mit einer stolzen Tradition der Innovation. Werden Sie Teil unseres globalen Teams, um Ihr Fachwissen zu erweitern und innovative Lösungen zu entwickeln, die eine prosperierende und nachhaltigere Gesellschaft ermöglichen.
Was Sie erwartet
Job Summary
The Head of Operations – PPR will be responsible for leading all manufacturing and operational activities within the Advanced Manufacturing Centre.
The successful candidate will ensure the safe, efficient, and profitable execution of pump spares manufacturing, duplicate pump production, and engineered retrofit solutions while delivering exceptional customer service and achieving business objectives
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Operations – PPR to lead our Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Johannesburg and drive operational performance across our Pumps Parts & Retrofit business.
Key Responsibilities
• Providing strategic leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable manufacturing and operational performance.
• Driving operational excellence through effective planning, resource optimization, continuous improvement, and implementation of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Championing a strong Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality culture while ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards.
• Delivering exceptional customer service through the timely execution of projects, repairs, and manufacturing commitments.
• Managing operational budgets, financial performance, forecasting, cost control, and key business performance indicators.
• Leading end-to-end supply chain, procurement, inventory, logistics, and supplier performance management activities.
• Overseeing quality management systems and driving continuous improvement to enhance operational performance and customer satisfaction.
• Building strong relationships with customers, suppliers, strategic partners, and internal stakeholders across the business.
• Collaborating with regional and global teams to implement best practices, improve operational efficiencies, and support business growth initiatives.
• Developing and mentoring high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Education and Experience
• Education
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• Experience
• 12–15+ years in industrial services/manufacturing with 10+ years leadership.
• Strong background in rotating equipment services (pumps, motors, gearboxes, turbines, compressors) serving heavy industry.
• Proven success in leading growth initiatives in industrial, engineering, or energy sectors.
• Proven success in Business Process Improvement
• Executive-level presence and stakeholder management experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Operational Excellence
• Demonstrated Lean/6σ and/or continuous improvement results in multi-site operations.
• Experience in managing ISO management systems.
• Strong experience in operations strategy, investment planning, or capital project evaluation.
• PM engineering projects experience is preferable.
• Commercial Acumen
• Proven P&L ownership; price/mix management; contract negotiation and key account leadership.
• Strong financial acumen with a track record in complex deal and project execution.
Knowledge Required
• Systems
• ERP (e.g., SAP), CMMS, BI/analytics; safety and quality management systems.
• Stakeholder Management :
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with investors, board members, and key customers.
• Strong communications skills in a global and multi-cultural environment
• People Leadership : Ability to inspire, mentor, and build high-performing teams.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge (for Sulzer Services)
• Understanding of rotating equipment services, industrial maintenance, and engineering solutions.
• Familiarity with aftermarket services, supply chain management, and customer service models.
• Awareness of sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency, and industrial digitalization trends
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you will:
• Deliver safe, efficient, and profitable operational performance aligned with business objectives.
• Achieve operational targets related to productivity, quality, delivery performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Foster a strong health, safety, and quality culture with full compliance to regulatory and company standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize resource utilization.
• Lead high-performing teams, building capability, engagement, and a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Ensure effective supply chain, inventory, and quality management practices that support customer commitments and business growth.
• Strengthening relationships with customers, suppliers, and key stakeholders while enhancing Sulzer's reputation in the market.
• Contribute to the growth and profitability of the PPR business through operational excellence, innovation, and strategic leadership.
• Champion the One Sulzer culture, promoting teamwork, continuous improvement, and sustainable business success
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today and join our team.
Wir bieten
The successful candidate will be eligible to participate in the company's employee benefits programme, which includes membership of the Medical Aid and Pension Fund, as well as access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), subject to applicable terms, conditions, and company policies
Sulzer ist ein Arbeitgeber, der Chancengleichheit fördert. Wir glauben an die Stärke einer vielfältigen Belegschaft und setzen uns für ein integratives Arbeitsumfeld ein.
Wir sind stolz darauf, in Brasilien, Kanada, China, Finnland, Deutschland, Irland, Mexiko, der Schweiz, Südafrika, Großbritannien und den USA als Top-Arbeitgeber 2026 ausgezeichnet worden zu sein.