Junior Production Manager

Bridgena Barnard & Associates; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridgena Barnard & Associates seeks a Junior Production Manager with an Industrial Engineering background to oversee production activities in a manufacturing setting. The role focuses on meeting delivery, quality, and cost targets while leading cross-functional teams.

Requirements include a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering and 5–8 years in manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role. Packaging, plastics, FMCG or Pharma experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in industrial engineering is required.
• Post-grad production management or leadership qualifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and oversee all production activities to meet delivery, quality, and cost targets.
• Lead and develop production teams, driving a strong culture and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with the management system and maintain audit readiness.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
• Plan capacity and headcount across permanent and flexible labor pools.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering

Post-grad production management or leadership qualifications

Job description

Junior Production Manager - Industrial Engineer

Mid Career (Above 6 yrs exp) Location: CPT Type: Permanent Report to: Manager

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in industrial engineering.
• Post-grad production management or leadership qualifications will be to your advantage.

Experience

• 5-8 years experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience in packaging, plastics, or FMCG or Pharma manufacturing will be advantageous.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and oversee all production activities to meet delivery, quality, and cost targets.
• Manage production lines in line with Business process approach to cross functional delivery including setup, startup checks, and in-process control.
• Lead and develop production teams, driving a strong culture
• Ensure consistent achievement of output and maintain a green scoreboard.
• Drive compliance with the Management System, ensuring strong audit outcomes.
• Manage and resolve customer complaints, ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in line with operational plans.
• Monitor and control material usage to ensure variances remain within budget.
• Optimize labour utilization and manage workforce productivity in line with budget.
• Lead and coach teams in a unionized MEIBC / Plastics Agreement environment.
• Ensure discipline, performance, and adherence to SOPs.
• Identify operational, safety, and reputational risks early and mitigate.
• Plan capacity and headcount across permanent and flexible labor pools.
• Apply Extreme Ownership leadership principles in daily operations.
• Oversee performance management processes, including regular employee reviews.
• Ensure training and development plans are executed and team competency is maintained in line with skills matrix requirements