Benoni: Production Manager

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Production Manager is responsible for leading and managing all production activities within a manufacturing facility. The role ensures the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of wiring harnesses, cable assemblies, and related products while maintaining the highest standards of quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The Production Manager is accountable for production planning, workforce management, quality performance, operational efficiency, delivery performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The incumbent will ensure production targets are achieved while minimizing waste, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Production Planning and Scheduling Develop and implement daily, weekly, and monthly production plans based on customer demand and sales forecasts. Ensure production schedules are realistic, achievable, and aligned with delivery commitments. Coordinate production priorities with Planning, Procurement, Stores, and Quality departments. Monitor production progress and adjust schedules where necessary to meet customer deadlines. Ensure optimal utilization of labour, machinery, equipment, and production resources. Manage production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to prevent delays. Production Operations Management Oversee all manufacturing activities relating to wiring harness and cable assembly production. Ensure production processes are executed according to approved work instructions and manufacturing standards. Monitor production output against targets and implement corrective actions where performance falls below expectations. Ensure efficient workflow throughout cutting, crimping, assembly, testing, inspection, packaging, and dispatch preparation processes. Manage production supervisors and team leaders to ensure operational effectiveness. Drive accountability and ownership across all production teams. People Management Lead, motivate, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and production employees. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and feedback. Ensure employees receive appropriate training and skills development. Manage attendance, productivity, discipline, and employee conduct within the department. Identify skills gaps and succession planning opportunities. Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement. Quality Management Ensure all products meet customer specifications, engineering drawings, and quality standards. Work closely with the Quality Department to maintain compliance with quality management systems. Monitor quality metrics, defects, rework rates, and customer complaints. Investigate quality failures and implement corrective and preventative actions. Ensure quality inspections and testing activities are completed according to established procedures. Promote a “Right First Time” manufacturing culture. Operational Efficiency and Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives. Analyse production data to identify waste, inefficiencies, and process improvement opportunities. Drive initiatives aimed at reducing scrap, rework, overtime, and production costs. Monitor labour productivity and manufacturing efficiency metrics. Develop and implement action plans to improve overall equipment and operational effectiveness. Inventory and Material Control Ensure production materials are available to support planned manufacturing schedules. Work closely with Stores and Procurement to manage inventory levels. Monitor material consumption and reduce unnecessary waste. Ensure proper handling and storage of raw materials, components, and finished goods. Assist with stock investigations and inventory accuracy initiatives. Monitor shortages and proactively escalate supply risks. Equipment and Maintenance Management Monitor machine performance and production equipment reliability. Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are adhered to. Coordinate with Maintenance to minimise production downtime. Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective actions. Ensure all manufacturing equipment is operated safely and efficiently. Report equipment issues and maintenance requirements promptly. Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance Ensure compliance with all occupational health and safety legislation and company requirements. Promote a strong safety culture throughout the production department. Conduct regular workplace inspections and safety audits. Ensure employees wear and maintain required PPE. Investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions. Implement corrective actions to reduce workplace risks. Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained at all times. Performance Monitoring and Reporting Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly production reports. Track and report key production performance indicators. Provide management with updates regarding production status, delays, risks, and improvement initiatives. Monitor labour utilization, absenteeism, overtime, productivity, and quality performance. Present operational performance information during management meetings. Qualifications National Diploma or Degree in Production Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or related field. Relevant management qualification advantageous. Experience Minimum 58 years’ manufacturing experience. Minimum 35 years in a Production Management role. Experience within wiring harness, cable assembly, automotive, electronics, or electrical manufacturing environments highly advantageous. Proven experience managing production teams and supervisors.