Howick: Production Manager posted by Green Marble Recruitment Consultants

• Bachelor’s 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.