Johannesburg: Manufacturing Manager – Cable manufacturing

Job Description The Manufacturing Manager in Electrical Cable Manufacturing is responsible for leading the end-to-end manufacturing operation, overseeing the conversion of raw materials into finished electrical cable products in line with production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and commercial objectives. The role directs the full manufacturing lifecycle, including material control, process supervision, production execution, planning oversight, and finished goods readiness. The position ensures that manufacturing activities are efficient, compliant, and aligned with operational plans, while maintaining product integrity and continuous process improvement across the facility. Responsibilities Directs the complete manufacturing operation from raw material receipt and control through cable production, testing, finishing, and release of finished goods. Oversees the planning section to ensure production schedules, capacity allocation, and material availability are aligned with customer demand and operational priorities. Manages daily production performance, ensuring output, efficiency, quality, and cost objectives are achieved. Ensures manufacturing processes comply with internal procedures, industry standards, and health, safety, and environmental regulations. Coordinates with procurement, quality, engineering, maintenance, warehousing, and logistics functions to maintain uninterrupted production flow. Monitors the performance of extrusion, cabling, insulation, armouring, sheathing, and associated manufacturing processes as applicable to the site operation. Leads workforce management activities including supervision, performance management, training, and development of production and planning teams. Drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, productivity enhancement, process stability, and operational excellence. Reviews production data, downtime, scrap levels, and quality metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions. Ensures effective inventory usage and material traceability throughout the manufacturing cycle. Supports budgeting, cost control, and resource planning to meet financial and operational targets. Maintains readiness for audits, customer inspections, and compliance reviews. Skills Required Strong knowledge of electrical cable manufacturing processes, production control, and plant operations. Proven ability to manage end-to-end manufacturing activities including raw material handling, process control, and finished product delivery. Sound understanding of production planning, scheduling, and capacity management. Strong leadership and people management capability with the ability to direct multidisciplinary operational teams. Excellent knowledge of quality assurance, process compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies. Competence in interpreting production metrics, identifying operational issues, and implementing effective solutions. Good understanding of health, safety, and environmental requirements within an industrial manufacturing setting. Strong organisational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Effective communication and cross-functional coordination skills. Commercial awareness with the ability to balance production efficiency, quality, and cost performance. Proficiency in manufacturing systems, reporting tools, and standard office software. Qualifications Required Degree, Higher National Diploma, or equivalent professional qualification in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline. Formal training in production management, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement would be advantageous. Health and safety certification relevant to manufacturing operations would be beneficial. Experience Significant experience in a manufacturing leadership role within electrical cable manufacturing or a closely related industrial production environment is required. Experience overseeing the full manufacturing process from raw materials through to finished product is essential. Proven experience managing production planning functions alongside shopfloor operations is required. Demonstrated success in leading teams, improving production performance, maintaining quality standards, and delivering operational targets within a regulated manufacturing setting is expected. Experience with process improvement, cost control, and cross-functional operational management is highly desirable. Salary – Market related