About the Role

The Head of Operations is accountable for the end-to-end operational performance of the organisation, with direct executive oversight of production, supply chain, inventory and industrialisation readiness.  This is a strategic leadership position requiring a proven track record in operations management within high-reliability, low-volume production environments.  The purpose of the role is to convert operational capability into a reliable, scalable delivery engine that ensures contract execution, regulatory compliance and long-term business sustainability in a high-reliability defence environment. 

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in any related field of Operations Maagement. 
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in operations or manufacturing leadership within:
  • -Defence & Aerospace
  • -High-reliability electronics
  • -Or similarly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading senior managers (e.g. Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager).

Key Responsibility Areas: 

1.Enterprise Operations Leadership

Own end-to-end operational performance across production, supply chain, and inventory/stores, ensuring reliable delivery and cost discipline. Translate executive strategy into clear, executable operational plans that drive measurable business outcomes.

2.Production Oversight

Hold executive accountability for manufacturing output, quality, yield, capacity, and throughput. Ensure the Production Manager delivers through strong ownership of delivery performance, recovery planning, and operational discipline.

3.Supply Chain & Inventory Governance

Hold executive accountability for supplier continuity, lead-time performance, and governance of export-controlled materials. Own stock accuracy, traceability, and disciplined management of working capital tied up in inventory.

4.Industrialisation & Manufacturing Readiness

Ensure smooth transfer of new products from engineering into production.

5.Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure full operational compliance with quality standards and defence/export regulations. Own operational risk management and be accountable for audit outcomes.

6.Financial & Performance Management

Own operational budgets across labour, procurement, CapEx, and overheads while driving cost efficiency, productivity, and margin improvement. Define, track, and act on operational KPIs to ensure sustained performance.  

7.People & Leadership

What We Offer:

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organizational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline: 28 January 2026

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV by applying directly on the HENSOLDT Careers page. 

If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.