• 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.
  

• Boiler maker Trade Test essential
• 3 – 5 Years Production Management experience
• Strong background/knowledge and experience in Idlers/Rollers/Wheels.
• Engineering Diploma or equivalent (Ideal)
• Management Development NQF level 5 equivalent (Ideal)
• Computer literacy – MS Office packages

Duties and responsibilities:

• Create detailed production schedules based on demand forecasts to meet customer needs and project timelines.
• Efficiently use manpower, materials, and equipment to reach production goals while avoiding shortages or downtime.
• Follow and apply the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, along with other South African laws, ensuring work hours compliance, proper working hours, and workplace safety according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
• Apply lean manufacturing methods to reduce waste and improve productivity, considering local market conditions.
• Manage logistics for the timely delivery of goods, keeping in mind local transport challenges.
• Set up inventory systems to balance stock levels with costs, preventing overstocking or shortages.
• Work with local suppliers to strengthen the supply chain and support South African manufacturers.
• Monitor stock levels to quickly address supply chain issues and ensure backup plans are in place.
• Help project managers streamline processes and effectively utilise resources across projects.
• Assist in meeting South African regulations, including obtaining permits and maintaining audit documentation.
• Provide solutions for project-related issues to ensure smooth business operations.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Team.
• Keep in touch with the Engineering team to align production activities with technical needs.
• Work together on improvements to ensure products meet quality standards.
• Provide real-time updates on project progress.
• Make decisions that balance immediate production needs with long-term business goals, minimising risks.
• Demonstrate good communication capabilities across all levels of the organisation to ensure.
• Monitor production to find and fix bottlenecks, such as equipment issues or supply delays, early on.
• Create a production schedule to reduce machine delays and improve product throughput while following safety standards.
• Use resources wisely to overcome production challenges without sacrificing safety or quality.
• Apply advanced fabrication and welding skills to deliver high-quality work to customers.
• Ensure knowledge of SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) to comply with SABS and ISO standards in fabrication and welding.
• Train team members on best practices in fabrication and welding to enhance their skills.
• Use MS Office for tracking projects, analysing data, and reporting. Use CAD software for reviewing production plans.
• Stay updated on new software technologies to improve production planning.
• Ensure clear communication with internal teams, suppliers, and customers about project goals.
• Enforce safety regulations by conducting regular inspections to identify risks.
• Set up quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications.
• Provide regular training on safety and quality standards for all employees.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Keep thorough records of production activities, quality checks, and safety inspections as required by law.
• Prepare detailed reports for management that highlight key metrics and suggest improvements.
• Ensure all administrative processes are ready for audits by regulatory bodies, Pipe Fitting (Optional).
• Possesses experience in welding and boiler making, essential for broader project capabilities.

Other Duties:

• Take on additional tasks as needed by management to support organisational goals.
• Ensure all tasks align with the organisation’s objectives, including compliance with industry standards and supporting local development.