Production Manager - Automotive

EnableSA; Kariega; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in South Africa's Eastern Cape is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily operations. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field and 5–10 years’ experience in the automotive sector, including managing high-volume production lines. Key responsibilities include optimizing production schedules, ensuring compliance with automotive quality standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Grade 12.
• 5–10 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in the automotive industry.
• Relevant production or operations management certification will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and manage production schedules to meet customer demand.
• Monitor production output, efficiency, and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with quality standards.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Production Management

Team Leadership

ERP/MRP Systems

Automotive Quality Standards

Education

Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Management

Job description

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules to meet customer demand.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of labour, machinery, and materials.
• Monitor production output, efficiency, scrap, and downtime; implement corrective actions where required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S).
• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Work closely with Quality to investigate non-conformances, customer complaints, and internal defects.
• Ensure adherence to process controls, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with South African OHSA, company safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure risk assessments, toolbox talks, and safety audits are conducted.
• Investigate incidents and implement preventative measures.
• Lead, motivate, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and operators.
• Manage staffing levels, shift patterns, overtime, and absenteeism.
• Conduct performance reviews, training needs analysis, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and company HR policies.
• Manage production budgets and control manufacturing costs.
• Analyse KPIs such as OEE, productivity, scrap, rework, and delivery performance.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Management, or similar.
• Relevant production or operations management certification will be advantageous.
• 5–10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, withat least 5 years in the automotive industry.
• Proven experience managing high-volume automotive production lines.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes (assembly, machining, press, welding, or injection moulding depending on plant).
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement tools.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools.
• Solid understanding of IATF 16949 and automotive quality systems.