Production Manager

Vumilia Africa Group (Pty) Ltd; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Vumilia Africa Group (Pty) Ltd is seeking a seasoned leader to head the manufacturing function and drive safe, cost-effective production that meets customer specifications. You will oversee end-to-end operations, using lean methods, process improvement and data to lift plant performance.

The role focuses on safety, quality, delivery, cost and people, while building capacity and a culture of continuous improvement across the production team in a South African context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering or Operations Management (NCQF Level 7+).
• 10–15 years of production management experience, incl. 5+ years in a managerial role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Management Development Programme certificate (advantage).
• Experience using SYSPRO (advantage).

Responsibilities

• Review and implement production SOPs to ensure efficient workflows.
• Prepare and monitor production schedules to meet output targets.
• Set daily targets and address underperformance.
• Ensure timely replenishment of raw materials with procurement.
• Lead QMS implementation and ensure finished products meet specs.
• Lead continuous improvement and lean initiatives.
• Produce regular production and quality reports.
• Maintain health and safety standards and housekeeping.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Planning

Time management

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering or Operations Management (NCQF Level 7+)

Tools

SYSPRO

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB PURPOSE
Lead the manufacturing function to meet daily operational requirements and achieve safe, efficient and cost-effective production. The role is responsible for converting raw materials into finished products that meet customer specifications and agreed quality standards.

Provide operational and technical leadership across end-to-end production, using sound engineering principles, lean manufacturing, process optimisation and production data to improve plant performance. Deliver results across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People while improving capacity utilisation and building a culture of continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Operations Management, at Botswana National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCQF) Level 7 or above, or a recognised equivalent qualification. Foreign qualifications may be subject to Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) evaluation where required.

• 10 to 15 years of production management experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial role.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• A Management Development Programme certificate will be an added advantage.

• Experience using SYSPRO will be an added advantage.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to guide production supervisors, team leaders and employees.

• Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills, supported by effective planning, organisation and time management.

• A sound understanding of production processes, maintenance planning, quality control and lean manufacturing.

• Working knowledge of Botswana labour requirements and their practical application to attendance, working time, overtime and performance management, in consultation with Human Resources.

• A sound understanding of applicable Botswana occupational health and safety requirements and safe manufacturing practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCTION PLANNING AND CONTROL

• Review and implement production standard operating procedures and ensure that workflows are efficient and consistently followed.

• Prepare, manage and monitor production schedules and daily production plans to meet agreed output and delivery targets.

• Set daily performance targets, monitor results and address underperformance promptly.

• Ensure timely replenishment and effective use of raw materials, working with procurement and relevant departments.

• Identify production nonconformities, investigate causes and implement corrective action.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System in line with company standards.

• Work with product development to establish and implement quality control standards, ensuring that finished products meet customer specifications.

• Work with sectional production managers, maintenance, procurement and logistics to resolve quality issues affecting production.

• Support internal quality audits and ensure that findings are closed within agreed timelines.

• Monitor quality indicators and daily targets, analyse trends and implement corrective and preventive action.

• Lead root cause analysis to reduce rework and rejects, and build quality awareness throughout the production team.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Manage team performance, staffing and labour utilisation to achieve efficiency and quality targets.

• Communicate priorities clearly and provide technical support to supervisors and team leaders.

• Monitor attendance and address absenteeism in consultation with Human Resources and in line with company procedures and applicable Botswana labour requirements.

• Ensure that supervisors and team leaders submit accurate payroll inputs on time to support correct employee payments.

• Monitor and control overtime and labour costs within approved limits.

• Conduct performance reviews, coach employees who need support and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND EFFICIENCY

• Plan and lead projects that improve the production environment, productivity and manufacturing performance.

• Apply lean manufacturing and value stream improvement methods to eliminate waste and improve process capability.

• Monitor manufacturing performance indicators and use visual management systems and dashboards to improve visibility and accountability.

• Reduce production costs through improved material utilisation, labour productivity and process efficiency.

• Record and evaluate the results of improvement projects, and benchmark performance against relevant industry practices.

• Encourage employees to identify and implement practical process improvements and manufacturing innovations.

PRODUCTION REPORTING

• Prepare daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly reports on actual production performance against planned targets.

• Report daily, monthly and quarterly production and quality results.

• Analyse performance data, explain variances and recommend actions to improve output, quality and efficiency.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Maintain good housekeeping, keep production areas tidy and ensure that waste is removed promptly.

• Ensure that employees use the correct personal protective equipment and follow safe operating procedures.

• Ensure that machinery safety devices are functional and appropriate warning signs are displayed.

• Identify and correct unsafe conditions, acts and behaviour, working with maintenance and the responsible safety personnel.

• Promote safety awareness and ensure that production activities follow company safety procedures and applicable Botswana occupational health and safety requirements.