Production Manager

Tower Group South Africa; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

An automotive manufacturing leader is seeking an experienced Production Manager to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role requires a strong individual with a background in production and operations management, along with at least 6 years of experience in the automotive industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing the manufacturing strategy, overseeing production planning, and ensuring operational excellence. The position offers an opportunity to lead teams and drive continuous improvement within the organization.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 qualification.
• Minimum 6 years in the Automotive/Manufacturing industry.
• Minimum 6 years in a similar role.

Responsibilities

• Develop the plant medium to long term manufacturing strategy.
• Assist with developing operational strategy.
• Provide strategic leadership to the manufacturing function and teams.
• Achieve annual manufacturing operational plans in accordance with set goals.
• Plan, schedule and monitor production and maintenance requirements.
• Oversee production planning and approve production plans.
• Monitor achievement of daily production targets.
• Conduct continuous risk assessments in the workplace.

Skills

Leadership

Change Management

Production Planning

Continuous Improvement

Risk Management

Safety & HSE

Team Management

Workforce Planning

Performance Monitoring

Process Optimization

Maintenance Planning

Supplier/Contractor Management

Education

Degree/Diploma in Production/Operations management or Industrial Engineering Science or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Our client, a leader in the automotive manufacturing industry, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to join their team based in Durban.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12
• Degree/Diploma in Production/Operations management or Industrial Engineering Science or equivalent NQF level 6 qualification
• Minimum 6 years in Automotive/Manufacturing experience
• Minimum 6 years in similar role

Responsibilities

• Develop the plant medium to long term manufacturing strategy
• Assist with developing operational strategy
• Align plant Manufacturing Strategy to the overall business strategy
• Provide Strategic and Change Leadership to the Manufacturing Function and Teams
• Achieve / exceed the annual Manufacturing Operational Plan in accordance to set goals, targets and criteria
• Plan, schedule and monitor production (Sales forecasts, requirements, stock levels, maintenance requirements, change overs, etc.)
• Schedule and arrange maintenance and repairs for manufacturing operations
• Oversee production planning
• Approve Production Plans
• Analyse and interpret Production statistics / data to identify opportunities for improvements
• Deliver operational results in accordance with plant plans and budgets
• Ensure appropriate standards are established for plant utilisation and efficiency, and that performance is constantly monitored against these standards
• Meet all production & operational deadlines & implement continuous improvement savings
• Optimise the manufacturing processes
• Ensure the optimal and efficient use of plant and production resources
• Manage plant improvement projects
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing related problems and sub-standard performance
• Establish best practices for plant utilisation and efficiencies
• Oversee the activities of production contractors in the plant
• Monitor the level of production material to ensure sufficient material to support production
• Oversee the monthly stock takes and ensures that records are correctly entered
• Implement Planned Maintenance on all equipment with the maintenance dept in line with the Planned Maintenance schedule, as agreed
• Keep up to date with latest production trends and developments
• Benchmark manufacturing processes and technology against best practices
• Continually measure, monitor and provide improvement plans for improving business systems efficiency and cost reduction programs
• Compile Production Reports
• Participate, present & report on all Production issues at HOD meetings
• Monitor the achievement of daily production targets
• Manage individual, team and departmental performance to achieve organisational objectives
• Manage labour stability and complement in line with budget, including managing production headcount
• Participate in the implementation and utilisation of equity related processes, as required
• Plan, organise and monitor production work in plant and within own areas of responsibility
• Determine the training needs of the Department
• Manage workforce discipline and sub-standard performance
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels
• Ensure discipline is maintained in department (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.)
• Resolve grievances and disputes
• Partake in SACO hours clearances, and exceptions approval process as per Payroll requirements and meeting set deadlines for payroll submission
• Conduct continuous Risk Assessments in the workplace
• Conduct Planned Task Observations in the workplace
• Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace
• Address workplace hazards and risks
• Apply safety, health and environment practices and legal requirements when working on machines and equipment

Key Skills

Leadership, Change Management, Production Planning, Continuous Improvement, Risk Management, Safety & HSE, Team Management, Workforce Planning, Performance Monitoring, Process Optimization, Maintenance Planning, Supplier/Contractor Management