Assembly Plant Manager

KingsleyIrons Recruitment Services CC; Mkhambathini Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

KingsleyIrons Recruitment Services CC is seeking an experienced Assembly Plant Manager for a new operational plant in Camperdown, KwaZulu-Natal. The ideal candidate will oversee all aspects of production, quality, logistics, and safety functions while driving operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, ten years in automotive manufacturing, and proven leadership experience. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team and manage plant performance and compliance.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 essential.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing high-volume assembly or fabrication operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all assembly plant operations, including production, quality, logistics, maintenance, and safety functions.
• Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
• Manage plant budgets, operating costs, and capital expenditure requirements.

Skills

Operational leadership

People management

Production planning

Quality systems

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Operations Management

Postgraduate qualification in Management or Lean Manufacturing

Job description

Description/Synopsis:

A leading organisation in the automotive and transport manufacturing sector is seeking an experienced Assembly Plant Manager for their new operational plant in Camperdown. You will take full responsibility for the performance, compliance, and day-to-day operations of a vehicle assembly facility.

This role is ideal for a seasoned manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and has a proven track record of managing assembly operations, driving operational excellence, and delivering against demanding production, quality, cost, and safety targets. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, OEM partners, suppliers, and support functions to ensure world-class manufacturing performance and continuous improvement across the plant.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 essential
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and/or Operations Management essential
• Postgraduate qualification in Management or Lean Manufacturing advantageous
• Minimum 10 years' experience in automotive manufacturing
• Proven experience managing high-volume assembly or fabrication operations
• Strong operational leadership and people management skills
• Experience engaging with OEMs, suppliers, and senior stakeholders
• Solid understanding of production planning, quality systems, and manufacturing logistics
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Knowledge of health, safety, environmental and regulatory compliance requirements

Main Responsibilities:

Plant Operations & Production Management

• Lead all assembly plant operations, including production, quality, logistics, maintenance, and safety functions
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, delivery commitments, and cost objectives are achieved
• Translate OEM and business objectives into measurable operational targets
• Oversee production planning and scheduling to align with customer demand and sales forecasts
• Monitor plant performance and implement corrective actions where required
• Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility

OEM & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary interface between the assembly plant, OEM partners, suppliers, and senior management
• Manage OEM relationships, audits, site visits, presentations, and performance reviews
• Ensure all OEM reporting requirements are completed accurately and submitted on time
• Collaborate with sales leadership on forecasting and replenishment planning of assembly kits and components

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure assembly processes comply with OEM standards and homologation requirements
• Champion a strong quality culture and continuous improvement mindset throughout the plant
• Maintain compliance with all legal, regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements
• Support audit processes and implement corrective actions where necessary
• Promote ethical conduct and adherence to company policies and standards

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage plant budgets, operating costs, and capital expenditure requirements
• Monitor operational performance against financial targets and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Work closely with Finance and Procurement to optimise plant performance and resource utilisation
• Support strategic planning and business growth initiatives through effective operational leadership

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop plant teams to achieve operational excellence and high-performance standards
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators across all functional areas
• Develop individual development plans and succession strategies for key personnel
• Manage service providers and address performance-related matters where applicable
• Foster collaboration between operations and support functions including Finance, HR, Procurement, and technical teams

Reporting & Performance Management

• Consolidate operational data into weekly production reports and forecasts for senior leadership
• Monitor key operational metrics and identify opportunities for improvement
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on production output, quality, delivery, safety, and cost performance
• Support strategic decision-making through data-driven operational insights