Automotive Production Manager

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Automotive Production Manager for its Centurion, Gauteng facility. The role demands a strong track record in high-volume automotive manufacturing, leading production teams and ensuring on-time delivery with top-tier quality.

Responsibilities include optimizing daily operations, implementing lean initiatives, and collaborating with engineering, maintenance, and quality teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing).
• Minimum 8 years in production management in automotive manufacturing; 3+ years in supervisory role.
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen experience.
• IATF 16949 knowledge and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations to meet volume, quality, and cost targets.
• Develop schedules, resource allocation, and workflows to maximize efficiency.
• Lead and mentor production supervisors, line leaders, and operators.
• Enforce ISO/TS 16949/IATF 16949 quality standards and customer requirements.
• Monitor KPIs and drive corrective actions; manage inventories and material flow.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and quality to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Ensure a safe working environment and strict health & safety adherence.
• Manage budgets and control operational expenditures; contribute to strategic planning.

Skills

Leadership

Team-building

Communication

Analytical thinking

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent Tier 1 automotive supplier based in **Centurion, Gauteng**, is looking for an experienced and results-oriented Automotive Production Manager. This senior role requires a leader with a strong track record in managing high-volume manufacturing operations within the automotive sector. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of components to major automotive manufacturers. This is a critical position for driving operational excellence and contributing to the strategic growth of our client's **Centurion** facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize daily production operations to meet volume, quality, and cost targets.
• Develop and implement production schedules, resource allocation, and workflow strategies to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Lead, train, and mentor a diverse team of production supervisors, line leaders, and operators, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Implement and enforce stringent quality control measures, adhering to ISO/TS 16949 (or IATF 16949) standards and customer-specific requirements.
• Monitor production performance using KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage inventory levels, ensuring efficient material flow and minimizing waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and quality departments to resolve production issues and drive process improvements.
• Ensure a safe working environment for all employees, adhering to strict health and safety regulations.
• Manage budgets and control operational expenditures effectively.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making for the production facility in **Gauteng**.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing), Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in production management within the automotive manufacturing industry, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven expertise in lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen).
• In-depth knowledge of automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with production planning software and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control costs.
• Proficiency in safety management and risk assessment.
• Experience in the **South African** automotive supply chain is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, life insurance, and a substantial retirement fund contribution. Opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and career progression within a growing international company are readily available. The role is based at our client's modern manufacturing facility in **Centurion, Gauteng**, offering a dynamic work environment and the chance to make a significant impact on automotive production in the region.