Durban: Production Manager (Automotive)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our production team in Durban, KZN, with a focus on driving performance, quality, and efficiency in a safe working environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and maintaining policies and procedures, managing departmental managers, and ensuring timely submission of customer complaints and resolutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain departmental procedures and forms to ensure efficient handling of routine activities according to shareholder, business, and customer requirements.
• Facilitate the development of measures and other controls to monitor key elements of safety, production, quality, stock control, machine usage, and efficiency.
• Manage, lead, and mentor departmental managers in their respective roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure on-time submission and resolution of customer complaints/CARs/Audit findings in your area of responsibility.
• Use problem-solving methods such as PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), and 8D to identify root causes and implement improvements.
• Ensure critical skills are retained and skills development is a continuous programme.
• Conduct risk assessments, plan and execute activities to reduce high-risk processes.
• Plan and implement ways to achieve utilization and efficiency.
• Use production recording systems as per instructions.
• Ensure budgets are used according to plans.
• Report internal downtime, investigate root cause, and implement countermeasures.
• Prepare resources to achieve production efficiencies and utilization.
• Implement policies to set up the department.
• Organize customer forecast into plans for production.
• Collect and report production data accurately on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Requirements

• Preferably an Engineering degree/diploma or Diploma in Production Management (NQF Level 6/7)
• Minimum 10 years of senior manufacturing role in an Automotive Industry or similar, preferably OEM or first tier
• Successful implementation of measurements and other controls to monitor key deliverables in an automotive manufacturing environment
• Development of at least one successful management team with competency to run an efficient and profitable management process
• Computer literacy in MS Office to at least intermediate level
• Knowledge of Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques
• Technical skills in materials and inventory management, production scheduling, and preventive maintenance

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications not specified.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary information not provided.