Graduate: Lead Associate (Operations) (Ftc) - Roodepoort

Our client in the manufacturing industry is seeking to employ a Graduate: Lead Associate (Operations) to join their team based in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.

Salary: R 18,000 per month for a fixed term of 24 - 36 months with no benefits.

Exciting Opportunity:

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation through an accelerated graduate programme designed to develop future leaders within Operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a high-performing graduate to gain broad business exposure, develop technical and leadership capabilities, and build a strong foundation for a future management career.

The programme is focused primarily on Operations, while also providing exposure to broader business functions through structured rotations, mentorship, training and stretch assignments.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, or Production Engineering.
• Open to recent graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of professional experience.
• Ideally, candidates should have completed an internship or gained at least 1 year of relevant workplace exposure.
• Candidates should have graduated from a reputable university.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Fluency in English and the local language, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated determination, adaptability and willingness to embrace challenges.
• Strong interest in developing technical, functional and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to learn quickly, absorb new information and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Credibility and the ability to build positive relationships and influence others.
• Basic knowledge of generative AI and digital tools would be advantageous.
• Candidates must be available to commence the programme.
• A strong engineering mindset, high-performance orientation and genuine interest in Operations and future leadership are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Complete structured rotations through key Operations functions, including Engineering, Production and Process.
• Participate in cross-functional rotations, which may include Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales.
• Gain practical exposure to different areas of the business to develop a holistic understanding of Operations.
• Complete projects and assignments during each rotation, typically lasting between 2 and 6 months.
• Work closely with dedicated managers during each rotation for guidance, support and development.
• Develop technical, functional and leadership skills through on-the-job learning and formal training.
• Participate in onboarding and structured leadership development initiatives.
• Work on stretch assignments designed to build problem-solving, decision-making and leadership capabilities.
• Engage with senior mentors to support career development and organisational understanding.
• Build strong working relationships across different functions and levels of the organisation.
• Apply analytical thinking and innovative approaches to operational challenges.
• Demonstrate initiative, determination and adaptability throughout the programme.
• Contribute meaningfully to assigned projects and business objectives.
• Work towards developing the capabilities required for future Operations/DC management opportunities.

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