Production Engineer (Talent Pool) Logistics, Assembly, Painted Body)

BMW Group; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in Pretoria is seeking a Production Engineering Specialist to optimize production operations. The role involves leading teams, driving process improvements, and ensuring safety and quality standards. Candidates should have an engineering degree and at least 5 years in manufacturing leadership roles. This position requires a commitment to work rotating shifts.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative work culture

Dynamic leadership role

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in automotive or equivalent manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years in leadership/management roles.
• Experience with technology-specific processes is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production teams to achieve volume, quality, and cost targets.
• Manage problem-solving efforts to eradicate recurring defects.
• Direct supervision of Process Leaders and coach frontline leaders.
• Ensure adherence to ISO quality standards and support ISO 9001 implementation.
• Maintain a safe working environment and foster effective collaboration.

Skills

Strong presentation and communication skills

Proficiency in problem-solving

Data analysis

Process improvement methodologies

People management

Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Role overview
We are seeking an experienced Production Engineering Specialist to lead and optimize production operations across Logistics, Assembly, or Painted-Body processes. The successful candidate will manage production teams, drive continuous improvement, and ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are met in alignment with the organization’s strategy.

This role requires the successful incumbent to work in a rotating shift pattern (early, late and night shifts).

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop production teams to achieve volume, quality, and cost targets while continuously improving production processes.
• Manage problem-solving efforts to eradicate recurring defects and improve process stability.
• Direct supervision of Process Leaders; coach, develop, and motivate frontline leadersLead cross-functional teams on complex issues and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure safe and economical use of materials, chemicals, and consumables; oversee material checks and stock levels with appropriate stores.
• Collaborate with suppliers to optimize packaging, waste reduction, and overall supply chain effectiveness.
• Coordinate and control shift activities, including shift balancing, handovers, and clear communication of targets to stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to ISO quality standards and support ISO 9001 implementation where relevant.
• Maintain housekeeping and a safe working environment; address safety, health, and environmental issues in collaboration with SHE stakeholders.
• Foster effective internal and external collaboration with departments such as Purchasing, Quality, Product, and Project teams, as well as suppliers and contractors.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., kaizen, problem-solving methodologies) and stay informed about advances in relevant technologies.

Scope of responsibility:

• Leads production teams during shifts to meet volume targets while ensuring reliability, quality, and on-time delivery to internal and external customers.
• Financial: Manage departmental budget related to production costs, including scrap, consumables, maintenance, and overtime; monitor cost per unit and drive improvements.
• Others: Lead ad-hoc projects for continuous improvement with defined scope and variance targets.

Qualifications and experience

• Education: Engineering degree or equivalent (e.g., BTech, BEng, or BSc in Industrial/Mechanical/Electrical/Production).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in automotive or equivalent manufacturing environments; minimum 5 years in leadership/management roles; experience with technology-specific processes is advantageous.

Skills:

• Strong presentation and communication skills (English or local business language).
• Proficiency in problem-solving, data analysis, and process improvement methodologies.
• People management and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers.

What we offer:

• A dynamic leadership role in a manufacturing environment with exposure to cross-functional projects.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• A collaborative, safety-conscious work culture.

About you:

• You are a proactive leader who can drive teams to meet targets while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• You excel at problem solving, process optimization, and stakeholder communication.
• You are committed to continuous improvement and staying current with industry best practices.
• You are committed and willing to work in a rotating shift pattern. (early / late & night)