Production Manager

Rely Precision Castings; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 70 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a dynamic Production Manager to lead their manufacturing operations in a hands-on role. This position is critical for driving efficiency and optimizing production processes in a high-stakes environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a technical mindset, and a passion for empowering teams. With a focus on quality and operational excellence, this role offers the opportunity to shape team culture during a pivotal growth phase. Join a forward-thinking company where your contributions will make a significant impact on their journey to regain market leadership.

Benefits

Ownership in a complex environment

Opportunity to shape team culture

Impactful leadership role

Competitive remuneration

Qualifications

• 5+ years in production management or manufacturing leadership.
• Strong leadership skills managing large teams in heavy industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead production teams to meet targets and ensure quality standards.
• Monitor KPIs and manage labour relations in compliance with laws.

Skills

Production Management

Mechanical Systems Understanding

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Diploma in Industrial Engineering

Job description

Production Manager – Manufacturing & Metallurgy

Location: Boksburg, South Africa

Company: Rely Precision Castings

Industry: Advanced Manufacturing – Investment Castings

Reports to: Operations Manager >
Commercial Director >

Managing Director

Employment Type: Full-time

About Us

Rely Precision Castings is a leading South African manufacturer of high-integrity investment castings, supplying precision components to various industries globally.

Founded in [Year] and ISO [Number] certified, our operations are grounded in metallurgical excellence and technical innovation. Following a successful shareholder-led turnaround, we're scaling production and restoring our position as a market leader.

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead from the front — someone who thrives in high-stakes environments, brings technical depth, and can empower our team to deliver with pride and efficiency.

This pivotal leadership role involves managing the full production lifecycle — including wax, dipping, melting, fettling, heat treatment, and finishing — while executing production plans, optimizing processes, and maintaining operational control. Investment casting experience is not mandatory, but a strong technical mindset and mechanical intuition are essential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead, manage, and coach production teams to meet targets.
2. Ensure all activities are delivered on time, within specifications, and meet quality and SHERQ standards.
3. Oversee equipment uptime, coordinate maintenance, and troubleshoot operational issues.
4. Monitor and improve KPIs such as yield, scrap, rework, cycle time, and delivery schedules.
5. Manage labour relations in compliance with South African labour laws and union frameworks.
6. Enforce operational discipline, process adherence, and accountability.
7. Develop team capabilities and skills growth.
8. Drive initiatives to improve throughput, reduce waste, and adapt to challenges.

Requirements

• 5+ years in production management or manufacturing leadership, preferably in heavy industry, engineering, or metals.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing large shop-floor teams.
• Practical understanding of mechanical systems and manufacturing technology.
• Hands-on experience with maintenance and equipment reliability programs.
• Experience managing 80+ staff members.
• Knowledge of South African labour legislation and unionized environments.
• Technical aptitude and learning agility.
• Effective communication and emotional intelligence skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical, Industrial, or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Background in high-precision, high-volume manufacturing.
• Exposure to investment casting, foundry, or metallurgical processing.
• Training in Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

What We Offer

• Ownership in a technically complex, hands-on environment.
• Opportunity to shape team culture during a critical growth phase.
• Impactful leadership role backed by solid shareholders.
• Competitive remuneration based on responsibility and performance.