Production Manager

Ubuntu RM; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ubuntu RM seeks a Production Manager in Gauteng to own end-to-end floor operations, delivering on plan, quality and on-time shipment. You will lead production supervisors and floor staff, plan schedules, drive efficiency, reduce waste and ensure safety standards.

The role requires strong leadership and a track record of managing large teams in manufacturing, with hands-on oversight of downtime, maintenance interactions and KPI reporting. Saturdays until 15:00 may be required.

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 completed.
• Tertiary qualification in Production or Operations Management advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years production experience in manufacturing.
• Minimum 5 years in production management or supervisory role.
• Packaging, converting or printing background strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing large floor teams.
• Proficient with MS Office, Excel; ERP experience advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of OHS Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
• Available to work every Saturday until 15:00.

Responsibilities

• Manage full production operation and daily output against plan.
• Plan, schedule and sequence production to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Lead, manage and develop production supervisors, operators and floor staff.
• Monitor and drive production efficiency, waste reduction and yield improvement.
• Ensure quality standards are met and manage non-conformances.
• Manage shift planning, staffing, overtime and attendance.
• Work with Maintenance Manager on downtime, changeovers and machine performance.
• Liaise with order processing, planning and dispatch on job priorities.
• Report daily and monthly on production KPIs, output and costs.
• Enforce health, safety and housekeeping standards on the floor.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes and layout.

Skills

Leadership

Discipline & accountability

Numerate

Planning & prioritisation

Calm under pressure

Problem-solving

Education

Matric/Grade 12

Tertiary qualification in Production/Operations Management

Tools

MS Office (Excel)

ERP systems

Job description

Introduction

An established packaging manufacturer is seeking a Production Manager to take full accountability for output, quality and on-time delivery from the production floor. This is a floor-based leadership role for someone who manages by walking the plant, not by email.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the full production operation and daily output against plan
• Plan, schedule and sequence production to meet customer delivery commitments
• Lead, manage and develop production supervisors, operators and floor staff
• Monitor and drive production efficiency, waste reduction and yield improvement
• Ensure quality standards are met and manage non-conformances
• Manage shift planning, staffing levels, overtime and attendance
• Work closely with the Maintenance Manager on downtime, changeovers and machine performance
• Liaise with order processing, planning and dispatch on job priorities
• Report daily and monthly on production KPIs, output and costs
• Enforce health, safety and housekeeping standards on the floor
• Drive continuous improvement across processes and layout

Minimum Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Production or Operations Management advantageous
• Minimum 8 years' production experience within a manufacturing environment
• Minimum 5 years in a production management or supervisory capacity
• Packaging, converting or printing background strongly preferred
• Proven experience managing large floor teams
• Computer literate — MS Office with strong Excel; ERP experience advantageous
• Sound working knowledge of the OHS Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act
• Available to work every Saturday until 15:00

Skills & Competencies

• Strong, credible leader — able to command respect on the floor
• Firm on discipline, standards and accountability
• Numerate and comfortable working with production data and KPIs
• Solid planning and prioritisation ability
• Calm and decisive under production pressure
• Practical problem-solver focused on throughput