Production Manager

Talent Network Global; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Network Global in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee and optimise production operations. This hands-on leader will drive OTIFARQ performance, lead production teams, and implement continuous improvement initiatives across lines to meet delivery, quality, and cost objectives.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or mechanical engineering, 5–8 years in manufacturing, and at least 3 years in supervision, with exposure to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or mechanical engineering
• Postgraduate qualification in Production Management or Leadership advantageous
• 5–8 years’ experience in manufacturing
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role
• Exposure to packaging, plastics, or FMCG manufacturing advantageous

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage production activities to meet delivery, quality, and cost objectives
• Oversee production lines, including setup, start-up checks, and in-process controls
• Lead, coach, and develop production teams to build a high-performance culture
• Ensure OTIFARQ targets and maintain operational performance standards
• Drive compliance with internal management systems and ensure successful audit outcomes
• Manage customer complaints and implement corrective actions
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives aligned with strategy
• Monitor material usage and control variances within budget
• Optimize labour utilisation and manage workforce productivity
• Lead teams within a unionised MEIBC Plastics Agreement environment
• Enforce discipline and SOP adherence
• Identify and mitigate operational, safety, and reputational risks
• Plan capacity requirements and headcount across staff
• Oversee performance management and competency development
• Ensure training and development plans align with skills matrix

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Ownership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Postgraduate qualification in Production Management or Leadership

Job description

Location:

Ottery, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town

(candidates already residing in Cape Town will be given preference as relocation costs are not included)

Overview

Our client, a well-established manufacturing and packaging business, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to oversee and optimise production operations. This role is suited to a hands-on leader who thrives in a high-performance environment and is committed to delivering products On Time, In Full, at the Right Quality (OTIFARQ).

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational excellence, leading teams, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across production lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, mechanical or a related discipline
• Postgraduate qualification in Production Management or Leadership (advantageous)

Experience

• 5–8 years’ experience within a manufacturing environment
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role
• Exposure to packaging, plastics, or FMCG manufacturing (advantageous)

Technical Expertise

• Knowledge of polymer production processes
• Production line setup and process control
• Quality management systems and root-cause analysis
• Capacity planning and resource optimisation

Leadership & Management

• Strong team leadership and communication skills
• Experience in unionised environments, including conflict resolution
• Disciplinary and performance management

Behavioural Attributes

• High level of ownership and accountability
• Decisive, resilient, and results-oriented
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication

Additional Skills

• Production planning and scheduling
• Understanding of BRC/ISO quality systems
• Cost control and budget management

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage production activities to meet delivery, quality, and cost objectives
• Oversee production lines, including setup, start-up checks, and in-process controls
• Lead, coach, and develop production teams to build a high-performance culture
• Ensure consistent achievement of OTIFARQ targets and maintain operational performance standards
• Drive compliance with internal management systems and ensure successful audit outcomes
• Manage customer complaints and implement effective corrective actions
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational strategy
• Monitor material usage and control variances within budget
• Optimise labour utilisation and manage workforce productivity
• Lead teams within a unionised MEIBC Plastics Agreement environment
• Enforce discipline, performance standards, and adherence to SOPs
• Identify and mitigate operational, safety, and reputational risks
• Plan capacity requirements and manage headcount across permanent and temporary staff
• Oversee performance management processes, including regular employee reviews
• Ensure training and development plans are executed in line with competency and skills matrix requirements
• Apply strong ownership principles in driving daily operational performance