Production Manager 
Howick

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in Business, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• High business acumen and understanding
• 5+ years in Senior Production/Plant Management
• Led 250+ employees in manufacturing
• Managed R100–R135M+ monthly turnover
• Strong in lean manufacturing, production systems, and quality frameworks
• Manufacturing or heavy industry experience

A leading KZN manufacturer seeks a hands-on Production Manager to run a high-volume, high-pressure Mixing Department.

This role demands energy, stamina, and toughness. You’ll lead 250+ employees and be directly accountable for R100–R135M+ in monthly production revenue.

No passengers. No learners. Only proven manufacturing leaders who deliver from day one.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in Business, Industrial/Mechanical Engineering, or related field – mandatory.
• 5+ years in senior production/plant management, managing a proven R100–R135M+ 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.