Production Manager

Job Advert Summary

The purpose of this role is to oversee production and ensure successful achievement of daily operational requirements. The successful incumbent will be responsible for providing operational and technical leadership of the manufacturing function by directing, optimising, and continuously improving end-to-end production operations to achieve operational excellence. The incumbent will be accountable for maximising plant performance through the application of sound engineering principles, lean manufacturing methodologies, process optimisation, and data-driven decision-making.

The role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective conversion of raw materials into high-quality finished products by delivering world-class standards in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP). This includes driving manufacturing innovation, optimising production capacity and resource utilisation, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement to achieve sustainable operational performance.

Minimum Requirements

• NQF 7 Qualification in Industrial Engineering or Operations Manager
• Management Development Programme Certification (An added advantage)
• Must be competent in Microsoft packages
• 10 to 15 years’ experience in production management
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in managerial
• Experience in Syspro would be an added advantage
• Strong Leadership Skills
• Strong technical, problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Inherent willingness to lead the production team for continuous success
• Strong understanding of maintenance planning
• Sound understanding of Health and Safety rules and standards

Duties & Responsibilities

Production Organising and Control

• Ensure that production SOPs are reviewed and executed correctly
• Ensure that production workflows are streamlined and well executed
• Monitor daily production plan.
• Oversee Production output and ensure that targets are met.
• Manage production schedule.
• Manage nonconformities and apply corrective action.
• Set and monitor daily performance targets
• Proactively manage under performance where identify
• Ensure the replenishment of raw materials as and when required

Quality control

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) in line with organizational standards.
• Assist the product development team with determining and executing of quality control standards.
• Ensure output meets quality standards.
• Partner with sectional production managers, maintenance, procurement, and logistics to address quality issues affecting overall production performance.
• Support internal quality audits, ensuring timely closure of audit findings.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes consistently produce products that meet customer specifications and internal quality standards
• Monitor and analyse quality performance indicators, identifying trends and implementing corrective and preventive actions
• Ensure that daily quality targets are achieved as per prescribed standards
• Ensure thorough root cause analysis to reduce reworks and rejects.
• Evaluate challenges faced by production process and take action to improve.
• Drive a quality conscious culture within the respective teams.

Staff Management

• Manage team performance to obtain efficiency and prescribed quality standards.
• Always ensure clear communication with the team
• Provide technical support to Production Supervisors and team leaders
• Improve the absenteeism rate within the site
• Ensure that supervisors and team leaders submit their weekly payroll input timeously and they pay employees accurately.
• Ensure thorough management of overtime and staff costs
• Conduct performance reviews for employees who require support
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures within your department.
• Ensure optimal staff utilization

Continuous Improvement Projects & Efficiencies

• Organize, plan and work together with staff to implement projects to improve the production environment.
• Lead lean manufacturing and value stream initiatives to eliminate waste and improve process capability
• Monitor and improve key manufacturing performance indicators
• Implement Visual management systems and dashboards to improve operational visibility and accountability
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through material optimization and improved labour productivity
• Implement continuous improvement projects and record results.
• Drive innovation and encourage teams to adopt a culture of efficiencies
• Lead productivity improvement projects
• Benchmark manufacturing performance against industry best practices and identify opportunities to enhance competitiveness
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging employees to identify, recommend, and implement process improvement opportunities

Production Reports

• Report on daily, monthly and quarterly production and quality figures.
• Report on actual production performance vs. planned production performance on daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.
• Analyze reports and use the data metrics to ensure continuous improvement based on data insights

Health and Safety

• Ensure that the department is always neat and tidy. Prioritize housekeeping at all times
• Ensure the removal of all waste on the floor and around the plant.
• Ensure that employees wear the correct protective equipment.
• Ensure that warning signs are clearly displayed when working on machinery.
• Correct any unsafe conditions and acts in the department.
• Ensure that safety equipment on all machinery is in working condition.
• Take action to correct unsafe behavior.
• Create and drive a safety conscious culture in department.