About the position
Our client, based in Howick, is seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Production Manager to lead their manufacturing operations in a predominantly strategic role.
While a strong operational foundation is essential, the focus will be on driving business performance through improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased output.
The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in leading high-volume production environments, managing a workforce of 150+ employees, and ensuring alignment with quality, safety, and compliance standards.
This role is critical to achieving and exceeding a monthly revenue target of R3.5 million, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and long-term growth.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in business studies, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical
- Engineering, or a related field, is a non-negotiable requirement.
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in a senior production/plant management role
- within a manufacturing environment, with proven experience leading an operation achieving R3.5 million+ in monthly turnover.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large teams of 150+ employees across shifts and departments.
- Experience in rubber manufacturing or heavy industry will be a significant advantage.
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, production systems, and quality assurance methodologies.
Key Competencies:
- Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities.
- Highly motivational and performance-driven with the ability to inspire teams to exceed targets.
- Advanced planning, organising, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong numerical and analytical ability, with solid proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and compliance.
- Results-oriented, with the ability to manage pressure and meet tight deadlines consistently.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the production strategy aligned to business goals.
- Lead, inspire and develop production teams to achieve optimal performance.
- Design and implement production schedules in line with daily/weekly production plans, to improve product throughput, reduce delays, and ensure on-time delivery while adhering to safety standards.
- Continuously assess production capacity, resourcing and infrastructure to support growth and innovation.
- Oversee daily operations and ensure efficient utilisation of equipment, people and materials.
- Ensure optimal machine uptime and coordinate preventative maintenance to reduce downtime.
- Monitor operational KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and control costs.
- Ensure only quality-approved products are released for dispatch to customers through strict oversight of release protocols.
- Guarantee that all products meet required quality specifications and standards.
- Champion a culture of excellence and accountability, maintaining high product
- quality and reliability across production lines.
- Drive compliance with company policies, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
- Manage departmental budgets, cost control, and investment planning with strict financial discipline.
- Ensure resources are allocated efficiently and operations remain within cost parameters without compromising quality or delivery.
- Report monthly on production performance, key variances, and strategic insights.
- Ensure compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, OHSA, and all other relevant legislation and company policies.
- Lead workplace safety initiatives and audits; promote a culture of health, safety, and environmental awareness.
- Stay abreast of legal and industry developments that impact production operations and proactively adapt processes.
- Oversee inventory management of raw materials and finished goods to prevent overstocking or stockouts.
- Implement inventory systems and controls to maintain accurate stock levels and enable efficient production planning.
- Collaborate with procurement and planning teams to forecast needs, manage lead times and ensure seamless operations.
- Provide daily, weekly, and monthly production reports, highlighting operational performance and areas for improvement.
- Use data-driven analysis to inform tactical and strategic decisions.
- Take high-level decisions balancing immediate priorities with long-term operational sustainability.
Desired Skills:
- Engineering
- Production
- Howick
