Production Manager

Job Advert Summary

Feltex is seeking a Production Manager to provide strategic guidance to all production operations — to lead, organise, monitor, and control all production operations and processes to achieve production and organisational targets. The successful incumbent will be responsible for planning and directing production activities, optimising process efficiency, managing resources and production schedules, and ensuring targets for quality, output, and cost are met.

This role plays a key part in supporting operational excellence by driving consistent production performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and maintaining effective production controls. As a key position within the operations department, it is designed to build and apply expertise in production management, process optimisation, and team leadership, while fostering collaboration and alignment with organisational objectives and governance requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12
• Bachelor’s degree in commerce or science or equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification
• 5 years senior management experience in the Automotive industry

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy:

• Develop the plant medium to long term manufacturing strategy
• Assist with developing operational strategy.
• Align plant Manufacturing Strategy to the overall business strategy
• Provide Strategic and Change Leadership to the Manufacturing Function and Teams
• Achieve/exceed the annual Manufacturing Operational Plan in accordance to set goals, targets and criteria

Production Planning:

• Plan, schedule and monitor production (Sales forecasts, requirements, stock levels, maintenance requirements, change overs, etc.)
• Schedule and arrange maintenance and repairs for manufacturing operations
• Oversee production planning
• Approve Production Plans
• Analyse and interpret Production statistics/data in order to identify opportunities for improvements

Production Management:

• Deliver operational results in accordance with plant plans and budgets
• Ensure appropriate standards are established for plant utilisation and efficiency, and that performance is constantly monitored against these standards
• Meet all production & operational deadlines & implement continuous improvement savings
• Optimise the manufacturing processes
• Ensure the optimal and efficient use of plant and production resources
• Manage plant improvement projects
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing related problems and sub-standard performance
• Establish best practices for plant utilisation and efficiencies
• Oversee the activities of production contractors in the plant

Raw Materials:

• Monitor the level of production material to ensure sufficient material to support production
• Oversee the monthly stock takes and ensures that records are correctly entered

Maintenance:

• Implement Planned Maintenance in line with the Planned Maintenance schedule, as agreed

Continuous Improvement:

• Keep up to date with latest production trends and developments
• Benchmark manufacturing processes and technology against best practices
• Continually measure, monitor and provide improvement plans for improving business systems efficiency and cost reduction programs

Reporting & people management:

• Compile Production Reports
• Participate, present & report on all Production issues at HOD meetings
• Monitor the achievement of daily production targets
• Manage individual, team and departmental performance to achieve organisational objectives
• Manage labour stability and complement in line with budget, including managing production headcount
• Participate in the implementation and utilisation of equity related processes, as required
• Plan, organise and monitor production work in plant and within own areas of responsibility
• Determine the training needs of the Department
• Manage workforce discipline and sub-standard performance
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels
• Ensure discipline is maintained in department (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.)
• Resolve grievances and disputes
• Partake in SACO hours clearances, and exceptions approval process as per Payroll requirements and meeting set deadlines for payroll submission

SHE:

• Conduct continuous Risk Assessments in the workplace
• Conduct Planned Task Observations in the workplace
• Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace
• Address workplace hazards and risks
• Apply safety, health and environment practices and legal requirements when working on machines and equipment