Cape Town: Production Manager posted by O’Brien Recruitment

We are recruiting on behalf of a growing and well-established manufacturing business seeking a strong, hands-on Production Manager to take full ownership of factory operations.

This role is not about sitting behind a desk. Its about leading from the floor, driving performance, holding standards, and building a disciplined, efficient production environment. If you thrive on structure, accountability, and getting things done properly this ones for you.

Working Hours: Normal working hours (Monday to Friday) | Occasional overtime only when required

Please kindly forward your CV to .za, or apply here directly.

The Role

As Production Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of factory operations, ensuring production targets are met on time, to specification, and efficiently, while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and team performance.

Youll lead a production team of approximately 30 employees, including 5 foremen, and will be accountable for output, people, processes, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities Production Planning & Control

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate production to meet delivery deadlines

• Balance labour, materials, and capacity to optimise output

• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly production performance

• Drive achievement of weekly turnover targets

People & Team Management

• Lead, manage, and motivate a production team of 30 staff

• Set clear expectations and manage performance firmly but fairly

• Develop foremen and operators through coaching and training

• Address underperformance decisively and maintain workforce discipline

Quality Management

• Ensure all trailers are built to required specifications and quality standards

• Implement and enforce quality checks throughout the production process

• Identify root causes of defects and implement corrective actions

Health, Safety & Housekeeping

• Enforce health and safety standards across the factory floor

• Maintain strong housekeeping and organisational standards (5S or similar)

• Ensure compliance with legal and internal safety requirements

Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Continuously improve layouts, workflows, and production processes

• Identify bottlenecks, waste, and inefficiencies then fix them

• Drive standardisation and repeatability across manufacturing operations

Technical Oversight

• Provide practical technical guidance and problem-solving support

• Ensure correct manufacturing methods are followed across departments

Technical Knowledge (Beneficial)

Hands-on or supervisory experience in:

• 12V electrical installations

• Welding and metal fabrication

• Plumbing systems

• Trailer manufacturing

• Cabinet building and fit-out

You do not need to be a qualified artisan but you must understand the work well enough to challenge poor workmanship and make sound production decisions.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven experience managing factory or production environments

• Strong leadership style with a firm but fair approach

• Highly organised, process-driven, and results-focused

• Comfortable holding people accountable and driving standards

• Practical, hands-on, and technically confident