Howick: Production Manager

Minimum Requirements: Bachelors 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 R135 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.