Production Manager

Network Contracting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Contracting in Gauteng seeks an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily production and drive operational excellence. You will develop production plans, monitor KPIs, and work with maintenance, engineering and quality teams to meet targets.

You will lead supervisors and operators, promote Lean 5S and Kaizen, manage budgets, and ensure safety, quality and compliance with standards. A relevant engineering degree and 5+ years of manufacturing leadership are required.

Qualifications

• BTech/BEng/BSc or relevant Engineering, Production or Operations Management qualification.
• 5+ years' experience in production/manufacturing with 2-3 years in a supervision role.
• Proven ability to lead production teams and optimize operations.
• Strong knowledge of production planning and process improvement.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, 5S or continuous improvement is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure efficiency.
• Develop and execute production plans aligned to customer needs.
• Meet targets, quality standards and delivery schedules.
• Monitor KPIs, downtime, waste and OEE; drive improvements.
• Lead and develop production staff; allocate resources.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Kaizen

Team leadership

Cost management

MS Excel

Education

BTech/BEng/BSc or relevant Engineering, Production or Operations Management qualification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Excel

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and oversee daily production activities to ensure efficient and uninterrupted operations.


• Develop and execute production plans in line with customer requirements and business objectives.


• Ensure production targets, quality standards and delivery schedules are achieved.


• Monitor production performance, productivity, downtime, waste and overall equipment effectiveness.


• Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve production efficiency.


• Lead, manage and develop production staff, including supervisors, artisans and operators.


• Allocate manpower and resources effectively according to production requirements.


• Work closely with Maintenance and Engineering teams to minimise equipment downtime.


• Ensure machinery and production equipment are maintained and operated effectively.


• Implement continuous improvement and process optimisation initiatives.


• Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen and other operational improvement initiatives where applicable.


• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards.


• Investigate production-related problems and conduct root cause analysis.


• Monitor raw material usage, production losses and manufacturing costs.


• Prepare and analyse production reports and KPI dashboards.


• Manage departmental budgets and identify opportunities for cost reduction.


• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Procurement, Engineering, Planning and other departments.


• Ensure production procedures, work instructions and policies are followed.


• Participate in audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented.


• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, quality and continuous improvement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• BTech/BEng/BSc or relevant Engineering, Production or Operations Management qualification.


• 5+ years' experience in a production/manufacturing environment, with at least 2-3 years in a management or supervisory capacity.


• Proven experience managing production teams and manufacturing operations.


• Strong knowledge of production planning, process improvement and operational efficiency.


• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S or continuous improvement would be advantageous.


• Strong understanding of production KPIs, quality control and cost management.


• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems would be advantageous.


• Strong computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Excel.


• Knowledge of relevant Occupational Health and Safety requirements.


• Valid driver's licence would be advantageous.