Factory Manager

JenRecruitment PTY Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

JenRecruitment PTY Ltd is seeking a mature, accountable Factory Manager with a strong mechanical background to take charge of a busy production environment in Cape Town. You will lead a 20–25 person semi-skilled team and own daily factory operations, ensuring targets, quality and discipline are maintained.

The ideal candidate has a fitter and Turner background, proven leadership experience, and the ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues.

Qualifications

• Fitter & Turner qualification or equivalent mechanical/technical background.
• Strong practical experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proven experience managing and leading factory personnel.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to command respect while building a positive team environment.
• Ability to work independently and take full ownership of responsibilities.
• Valid Code 08 / Class B driver's license
• Clear criminal record
• Valid South African residency is mandatory

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the daily running of the factory
• Open and close the factory as required
• Oversee production workflow and ensure operational targets are achieved efficiently
• Work Saturdays only when operationally required
• Manage, motivate and lead a team of 20–25 semi-skilled employees
• Ensure employees consistently follow written technical, operational and safety procedures
• Maintain a safe, disciplined and well-organised factory floor
• Ensure production paperwork, job cards and related documentation are completed accurately
• Maintain clear and transparent communication with the company owner regarding production, progress and challenges
• Monitor production quality and attention to detail

Skills

Fitter & Turner

Mechanical background

People leadership

Education

Fitter & Turner qualification or equivalent

Job description

We are looking for a mature, highly accountable and hands-on Factory Manager with a strong mechanical/technical background and the confidence to take charge of a busy factory environment.

The successful candidate will manage a team of approximately 20–25 semi-skilled employees, ensuring production targets, quality standards, workplace discipline and operational procedures are consistently maintained.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who is organized, firm but fair, technically capable and comfortable taking ownership of factory operations.

Key Responsibilities

Factory Operations

• Take overall responsibility for the daily running of the factory

• Open and close the factory as required

• Oversee production workflow and ensure operational targets are achieved efficiently

• Work Saturdays only when operationally required

Staff Management & Discipline

• Manage, motivate and lead a team of 20–25 semi-skilled employees

• Take responsibility for attendance, timekeeping and workplace discipline

• Build a productive team environment while maintaining firm operational standards

Technical & Process Compliance

• Ensure employees consistently follow written technical, operational and safety procedures

• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues

• Maintain a safe, disciplined and well-organised factory floor

Administration & Reporting

• Ensure production paperwork, job cards and related documentation are completed accurately

• Ensure documentation is submitted to the Accounts Department timeously

• Maintain clear and transparent communication with the company owner regarding production, progress and challenges

Quality Control

• Monitor production quality and attention to detail

• Ensure completed work meets the company's required quality standards before leaving the factory

Minimum Requirements

• Fitter & Turner qualification or equivalent mechanical/technical background

• Strong practical experience in a manufacturing or production environment

• Proven experience managing and leading factory personnel

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving ability

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to command respect while building a positive team environment

• Ability to work independently and take full ownership of responsibilities

• Valid Code 08 / Class B driver's license

• Clear criminal record

• Valid South African residency is mandatory

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be:

• Mature, responsible and highly dependable

• Hands-on and technically minded

• Firm, fair and confident in managing people

• Highly organised and task-oriented

• Comfortable making decisions independently

• Able to maintain discipline and enforce procedures

• A strong problem-solver

• Detail-oriented and quality-conscious

• Comfortable reporting directly to the company owner

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical professional looking to take full ownership of a factory operation and make a measurable impact on production, people and performance.

Application Notice

We receive a high volume of applications and carefully review each one. If you do not hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. By applying, you consent to your information being processed and stored for recruitment purposes in line with POPIA.