About the position
Production Manager – Mixing Department
Howick
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Business, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering, or similar
- High business acumen and understanding
- 5+ years in Senior Production/Plant Management
- Led 250+ employees in manufacturing
- Managed R100–R135M+ monthly turnover
- Strong in lean manufacturing, production systems, and quality frameworks
- Manufacturing or heavy industry experience
A leading KZN manufacturer seeks a hands-on Production Manager to run a high-volume, high-pressure Mixing Department.
This role demands energy, stamina, and toughness. You’ll lead 250+ employees and be directly accountable for R100–R135M+ in monthly production revenue.
No passengers. No learners. Only proven manufacturing leaders who deliver from day one.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in Business, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering, or related field – mandatory.
- 5+ years in senior production/plant management, managing a proven R100–R135M+ monthly turnover.
- Proven leadership of 250+ employees across shifts in manufacturing or heavy industry.
- High energy and stamina.
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, business acumen and financials.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Production Planning & Leadership
- Develop and execute the production strategy aligned to business.
- Lead, inspire and develop production teams to achieve optimal.
- 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.
Production Execution & Control
- 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.
Quality Assurance & Operational Excellence
- 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 principles.
Financial & Cost Management
- 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 insight.
Compliance & Risk Management
- 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.
Inventory & Supply Chain Interface
- 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.
Reporting & Decision-Making
- 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:
- Production Manager
- KZN
- Howick
- Rubber
- Budgeting
