Location: Ottery Western Cape

Purpose of the Role

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all production activities and operations. This role ensures that manufacturing processes run efficiently, meet quality standards, and deliver on customer deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Coordination

• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer requirements.
• Coordinate production activities with other departments.
• Allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to maximize productivity.
• Monitor workflows, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure efficiency.
• Analyze processes for improvement and cost reduction.
• Conduct root cause analysis of issues and implement corrective actions.
• Implement effective inventory control measures to reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety protocols, and standards.
• Maintain accurate records and production documentation.

1. Personnel Management

• Lead, motivate, and train production staff in line with company policies and procedures.
• Manage supervisors and production personnel to achieve output and quality standards.
• Monitor performance, conduct reviews, and provide feedback.
• Counsel and discipline staff where necessary, promoting accountability and teamwork.
• Foster a positive work environment focused on safety and continuous improvement.
• Share technical knowledge and provide practical, hands-on training.

1. Health & Safety

• Ensure adherence to workplace health and safety standards.
• Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly.
• Promote a culture of safe working practices.

1. Food (Product) Safety

• Apply and maintain food safety principles and standards where applicable.
• Report food safety hazards or issues immediately.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Management Systems.

1. Quality Management

• Enforce quality principles and maintain GMP standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.

1. Reporting & Administration

• Complete and submit all production-related reports and administration on time.
• Communicate production status, issues, and improvements effectively.

1. General Responsibilities

• Stay informed about international standards, technologies, and trends in production.
• Build industry contacts and share insights for continuous improvement.
• Act as a role model by setting an example in professionalism, standards, and conduct.
• Perform additional duties as required to meet operational needs.

1. Self-Development

• Continuously assess strengths and areas for improvement.
• Undertake professional development to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Grade 12 (Matric) required.
• HNDT Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or NQF 6 Production/Operations Management advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Production Manager in a manufacturing (FMCG) environment.
• Strong background in plastic manufacturing, particularly injection moulding.
• Hands-on exposure to injection moulding machines, moulds, and ancillary equipment.
• Training experience with injection moulding machine suppliers beneficial.

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of injection moulding processes and related equipment.
• Leadership and people management skills.
• Strong organizational and planning ability.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicts effectively.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and QMS implementation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Attention to detail, administration, and reporting accuracy.

Additional Requirements

• Diversity management and conflict management skills.
• Strong focus on health, safety, and food safety standards.
• Ability to foster teamwork and motivate staff to achieve excellence.