Manufacturing Executive

K2 Recruit

Cape Town

On-site

ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

K2 Recruit seeks an experienced manufacturing executive to lead a multi-department operation in South Africa. You will drive production planning, capacity management and continuous improvement to meet OTIF targets and cost objectives.

The role requires deep experience in lean manufacturing, ERP systems and leadership of large teams, with a focus on safety, quality and productivity improvements. A strategic partner to executive leadership, you will shape long-term manufacturing strategy.

Qualifications

Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
Degree or Diploma in Operations Management (Essential).

Responsibilities

Lead all manufacturing operations across multiple production departments.
Drive operational excellence through structured manufacturing processes and best practice methodologies.
Ensure efficient utilisation of labour, equipment, facilities and materials to maximise productivity.
Deliver manufacturing performance aligned to business objectives and financial targets.
Take ownership of manufacturing budgets, operational expenditure and cost optimisation initiatives.
Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

People Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Budget Management

Quality Management

Change Management

Education

Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Degree or Diploma in Operations Management

Tools

ERP Systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Leadership & Operational Excellence

Lead all manufacturing operations across multiple production departments.
Drive operational excellence through structured manufacturing processes and best practice methodologies.
Ensure efficient utilisation of labour, equipment, facilities and materials to maximise productivity.
Deliver manufacturing performance aligned to business objectives and financial targets.
Take ownership of manufacturing budgets, operational expenditure and cost optimisation initiatives.
Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Production Planning & Capacity Management

Translate sales forecasts into achievable production and capacity plans.
Oversee the development and execution of integrated production schedules across all manufacturing departments.
Balance production capacity with customer demand to ensure optimal resource utilisation.
Identify future capacity requirements and develop strategies to support business growth.
Ensure manufacturing plans support On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) customer delivery objectives.
Drive ERP system discipline to improve planning accuracy and operational visibility.

Manufacturing Performance

Gain a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes and production flow across the facility.
Monitor operational performance and proactively identify production bottlenecks.
Implement solutions that improve throughput, reduce downtime and increase operational efficiency.
Establish and monitor manufacturing KPIs and performance dashboards.
Drive improvements in productivity, quality, equipment utilisation and manufacturing costs.
Promote "First Time Right" manufacturing principles and waste elimination initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

Lead Lean Manufacturing and World Class Manufacturing initiatives across the operation.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and operational efficiencies.
Drive continuous improvement projects that improve productivity, quality and employee engagement.
Introduce manufacturing best practices aligned with business requirements.
Improve material utilisation by reducing scrap, rework and process variation.
Foster a culture of innovation and operational excellence throughout the business.

Inventory & Stores Management

Provide strategic oversight of Raw Material, Work-in-Progress and Finished Goods inventory.
Ensure inventory accuracy through disciplined ERP utilisation and inventory controls.
Monitor stock integrity, inventory movement and material availability.
Improve inventory accuracy and reduce stock variances across manufacturing operations.
Support effective inventory planning aligned to production requirements.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

Ensure manufacturing operations comply with all applicable health, safety and environmental legislation.
Drive compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and environmental management standards.
Support the implementation and maintenance of ISO 14001 where applicable.
Ensure adherence to all company policies, statutory requirements and industry regulations.
Promote a proactive safety culture focused on achieving zero harm across manufacturing operations.
Work collaboratively with Executive Management to maintain governance and regulatory compliance.

People Leadership

Lead, mentor and develop senior manufacturing leaders and production management teams.
Build high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning and skills development.
Drive employee engagement, accountability and performance management.
Promote collaboration and teamwork across all operational departments.
Identify critical skills gaps and implement development programmes to support future capability.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, operational discipline and leadership excellence.

Financial & Strategic Management

Develop and manage manufacturing operating budgets.
Monitor operational costs and implement initiatives that improve profitability.
Drive cost reduction through improved productivity, process optimisation and waste elimination.
Support long-term manufacturing strategy and capital investment planning.
Partner with Executive Leadership to align manufacturing operations with overall business objectives.
Contribute to strategic planning and organisational growth initiatives.

About You

You are an experienced manufacturing executive with a proven ability to lead large-scale manufacturing operations and deliver measurable operational improvements.

You thrive in fast-paced production environments where operational excellence, continuous improvement and strategic leadership are critical to business success.

You combine strong commercial acumen with exceptional people leadership, enabling you to build high-performing teams while driving productivity, quality, cost control and customer satisfaction.

You are passionate about Lean Manufacturing, operational efficiency and creating a culture where accountability, innovation and safety are embedded into everyday operations.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
Degree or Diploma in Operations Management (Essential).

Highly Advantageous

Lean Manufacturing Certification.
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
Project Management qualification.
World Class Manufacturing (WCM) exposure.
ISO Lead Auditor certification.

Experience

Minimum 10 years' experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
At least 5 years' experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role.
Experience leading multiple production departments.
Strong production planning and manufacturing execution experience.
Exposure to precision engineering or complex manufacturing environments will be highly advantageous.
Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Strong ERP manufacturing systems experience.
Experience managing operational budgets, inventory and manufacturing costs.

Technical Knowledge

Manufacturing Operations