Howick: Production Manager – Mixing Department

Minimum Requirements: Bachelors in Business, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering, or related field mandatory. 5 years in senior production/plant management, managing a proven R100R135M monthly turnover. Proven leadership of 250 employees across shifts in manufacturing or heavy industry. High energy and stamina. Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, business acumen and financials. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Production Planning & Leadership Develop and execute the production strategy aligned to business. Lead, inspire and develop production teams to achieve optimal. 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. Production Execution & Control 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. Quality Assurance & Operational Excellence 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 principles. Financial & Cost Management 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 insight. Compliance & Risk Management 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. Inventory & Supply Chain Interface 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. Reporting & Decision-Making 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.