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:

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: 16 September 2025

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.