Plant Head (Steel Plant)

Recruiter:The Recruitment GuyJob Ref:TRG 2457 (Cape Town ..Date posted:Wednesday, March 4, 2026Location:Cape Town, South AfricaSalary:TBD (Neg on discussion + Relocation Assistance + Accommodation Support + Medical Aid + Provident Fund)SUMMARY:An opportunity exists for a highly experienced Plant Head – Steel Manufacturing to lead a large-scale steel production facility in the Cape Town region.POSITION INFO:Title: Plant Head (Steel Plant)Area: Cape Town RegionIndustry: Iron & Steel Making | Heavy Industry | Primary & Secondary Steel ProcessingRef No.: TRG 2457Salary: TBD (Neg on discussion + Relocation Assistance + Accommodation Support + Medical Aid + Provident Fund)Start Date: ASAPType: PermanentAn opportunity exists for a highly experienced Plant Head – Steel Manufacturing to lead a large-scale steel production facility in the Cape Town region.This executive-level appointment will carry full operational responsibility for the Melt Shop, Rebar Mill, and Wire Mill, reporting directly to the Board of Directors.+The successful candidate will be accountable for plant performance, profitability, safety, production optimisation, and long-term strategic execution.This role is ideally suited to candidates with significant exposure to integrated or mini-mill steel operations, including experience within large heavy-industry environments such as ArcelorMittal, Scaw Metals, Highveld Steel, or similar high-capacity steelmaking plants.This role is ideally suited for candidates who have significant experience in primary or secondary steelmaking operations, such as those gained from ArcelorMittal, Scaw Metals, Highveld Steel, or other large heavy-industry processing plants.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Operations LeadershipLead full plant operations across Melt Shop, Rebar Mill, and Wire MillEnsure uninterrupted production aligned to volume, quality, and delivery targetsDrive plant-level P&L performance through disciplined operational controlIntegrate production, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and logistics functions Production Planning & OptimisationDevelop and execute production schedules to maximise throughputOptimise utilisation of furnaces, rolling mills, utilities, and manpowerIdentify and eliminate bottlenecks across casting, rolling, and finishing processesImprove yield, recovery rates, and scrap management Workforce Leadership & DevelopmentLead a large, multi-disciplinary workforce including engineers, supervisors, artisans, and operatorsDrive succession planning and leadership pipeline developmentImplement performance management systems and accountability structuresFoster a culture of operational discipline, safety, and continuous improvement Quality & Process ControlEnsure compliance with SANS, ISO, and customer-specific steel standardsDrive root-cause analysis for defects and process deviationsMaintain consistent metallurgical and mechanical property compliance Health, Safety & Environmental ComplianceEnforce strict adherence to OHS Act and environmental regulationsPromote a zero-harm safety cultureMonitor emissions, waste handling, and energy consumption in line with statutory requirements Maintenance & Asset ReliabilityOversee preventative and predictive maintenance strategiesImprove uptime of furnaces, rolling stands, shears, cooling beds, and finishing linesDrive long-term asset lifecycle planning and capital investment prioritisation Cost & Resource ManagementOptimise raw material consumption (scrap, billets, alloys)Drive energy efficiency initiatives within high-consumption steel processesManage plant budgets and cost-reduction strategiesMonitor operational KPIs and financial performance metrics Business & Market EngagementSupport commercial strategy and market expansion initiativesMonitor competitor activity and market demand trendsContribute to new product development and diversification strategies Continuous Improvement & Strategic ExecutionImplement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and performance-enhancement initiativesLead modernisation and plant upgrade projectsDevelop long-term strategic plans to improve competitiveness and capacityEDUCATION, QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Metallurgical, or Production EngineeringAdvanced management or business qualification advantageous20–25 years’ experience within steel manufacturing environmentsProven leadership within melt shops and rolling mill operationsStrong technical knowledge of steelmaking processes, furnace operations, rolling technology, and metallurgical controlsDeep understanding of heavy-industry safety and environmental frameworksDemonstrated experience managing large plant workforcesStrong financial acumen with P&L accountabilityExceptional analytical and strategic planning capabilityChange management and plant modernisation exposureExecutive-level communication and stakeholder management skillsTraceable & contactable referencesLocal residency or willingness to relocate (relocation assistance available)Submit CV (Word / PDF) to , Ref # TRG 2457 #TheRecruitmentGuy#PlantHead#SteelPlant#CapeTownRegion#SteelManufacturing#IronAndSteel#HeavyIndustry#MeltShop#RollingMill#ExecutiveLeadership#IndustrialEngineeringAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONSOnly applications from suitably experienced candidates who meet the requirements of this vacancy will be considered.Interested candidates must submit their updated CV (Word / PDF) via email to , quoting the correct Ref. Number (TRG 2457) in the subject line.Please attach all relevant supporting documentation, including (where applicable):Tertiary and secondary qualificationsProfessional memberships and/or partnershipsTrade, training, and/or in-house certificatesRelevant operating, vehicle, hardware, or equipment licencesPrevious employment references with contactable detailsCorrespondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates who meet the minimum requirements.If you do not receive feedback within three (3) weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.The Recruitment Guy (Pty) Ltd South AfricaCONNECT | LIKE | FOLLOW | SHARE | TAG Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Instagram