Head of Operations

Primary duties and responsibilities shall include, but not limited to: -

Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead all production and operational activities to ensure efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Ensure operational processes support customer requirements and business growth.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and report on operational performance against agreed targets.

Production Management

• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery commitments are achieved.
• Optimize production capacity, workflows, and operational processes.
• Drive initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and control costs.
• Ensure effective management of equipment, facilities, and operational resources.

Product Portfolio Management

• Lead and oversee the Lens Care and Frame product to drive business growth, profitability, and market competitiveness.
• Develop and execute strategies in collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and other key stakeholders.
• Drive go-to-market initiatives and commercial excellence across product portfolios
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key customers, partners, and distribution channels to support business expansion.
• Lead the development and execution of e-commerce and online sales strategies.
• Collaborate with Global teams to support the successful introduction and commercialization of new products and solutions.
• Ensure effective product portfolio management, including pricing, positioning, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle management.
• Identify and evaluate market opportunities, customer needs, and emerging trends to support future business growth.

Supply Chain and Logistics Management

• Lead and oversee end-to-end supply chain and logistics operations to ensure the efficient and timely movement of products
• Manage international and local logistics activities, including imports, exports, customs compliance, and transportation processes.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with logistics partners, freight providers, customs agents, and other key service providers
• Monitor logistics performance, inventory flow, and supply chain efficiency to support customer service and business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain and logistics function to enhance service levels, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable global and local quality standards, OPS Book, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Lead corrective and preventive actions to address operational and quality issues.
• Ensure adherence to ISO and other relevant industry standards.

Financial and Business Performance

• Develop and manage operational budgets and cost controls.
• Monitor key financial indicators including productivity, efficiency, inventory, and operational costs.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Support business planning and forecasting activities.

People Leadership

• Lead, develop, and coach supervisors and operational teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
• Ensure workforce capability aligns with current and future business requirements.
• Manage performance and address capability gaps within the operations function.

Customer and Stakeholder Management

• Ensure operational activities support customer satisfaction and service excellence.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance IT,, Supply Chain, Quality, Human Resources, Global teams and other business functions.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Resolve operational issues impacting customers and business performance.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Lead operational transformation and improvement projects.
• Implement best practices, lean methodologies, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Drive digitalization and automation opportunities where appropriate.
• Foster innovation to improve operational effectiveness and customer outcomes.
• Acting as a ZEISS Ambassador
• Adhering to the ZEISS leadership principles and Code of Conduct at all times

Key Performance Area

• Production output achieved against target
• On-time delivery performance
• Productivity and efficiency improvements
• Operational cost management
• Quality performance and defect rates
• Customer satisfaction levels
• Health and Safety compliance
• Employee engagement and retention
• Continuous improvement project delivery
• Inventory and resource optimization
• Lens Care Sales and Management
• Frame Inventory and Merchandising Management

Education / Professional Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Management, or related field.
• Six Sigma

Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years' operational leadership experience within a manufacturing, production, healthcare, medical technology, or related environment.
• Minimum 5 years' experience leading multi-functional operational teams through managers.
• Proven experience managing production, quality, supply chain, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading large teams and driving business transformation.

Knowledge / Skills

• Strategic Thinking
• People Leadership
• Decision Making
• Change Management
• Business Acumen
• Stakeholder Management
• Operations Management
• Production Planning
• Quality Management Systems
• Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement
• Financial Management
• Risk Management
• Project Management
• Process Optimization
• Results Driven
• Customer Focus
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Innovation
• Resilience

Your Benefits

As an employee at ZEISS, we have amazing benefits to offer you, including:

• Competitive Package
• The opportunity to work in a global company with cutting-edge technology.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Training and development opportunities to grow within the role

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Maite Nomthandaso Makgai