Production Manager Cape Town

Watchmaker Genomics; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 40 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative life sciences company is seeking a full-time Production Manager to lead their Cape Town operations. This role involves building and managing a dynamic production team, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and driving efficiency in manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing productivity with cost-effectiveness. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, this position is ideal for a motivated leader passionate about improving human health through cutting-edge technology.

Qualifications

• BS in molecular biology or related discipline required; MS/MBA preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in biotech or related industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Production Department and ensure compliance with QA and ISO.
• Motivate and support production staff while setting productivity goals.

Skills

Leadership

Team Building

Project Management

Communication Skills

Technical Writing

Education

BS in Molecular Biology

MS in Molecular Biology

MBA

Job description

Introduction

Company description: Watchmaker Genomics is an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A., with a local branch office in Cape Town, South Africa.

Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor.

We believe the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health.

Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Position Description

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Production Manager based in Cape Town, South Africa.

This position reports to the Vice President of Operations and will be responsible for building and managing the Production Department in Cape Town.

This individual will be accountable for creating departmental goals, developing and adhering to departmental budgets, and managing daily departmental activities. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success.

The position offers an opportunity to grow and develop as a Production leader.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Maintain compliance with QA and ISO requirements.
2. Motivate, support, and provide guidance to production staff.
3. Support HR in hiring production operators to support manufacturing activities in Cape Town.
4. Ensure all safety and health standards are met.
5. Communicate regularly with upper management regarding problems or issues impacting production.
6. Evaluate machine resources to ensure continued production and minimal downtime.
7. Establish a balance between increased productivity and reduced costs of manufacturing operations.
8. Set productivity goals for manufacturing teams.
9. Develop workflow policies and procedures that improve efficiency without compromising safety or quality.
10. Ensure adequate scheduling of staff.
11. Lead the execution of manufacturing strategies that support the department's goals for growth.
12. Establish departmental goals to support robust manufacturing processes and continuous process improvement.
13. Track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure and support quality objectives, supply chain, and department goals.
14. Assist in developing the manufacturing schedule and ensure adherence by collaborating with other manufacturing areas and promoting cross-functionality.
15. Manage inventory requirements to ensure execution of the manufacturing schedule.
16. Respond to and escalate operational, process, equipment, and maintenance problems to the VP of Operations.
17. Participate in financial management of the Production Formulation & Fill / Finish Department through development and monitoring of departmental budgets and inventory control.
18. Participate in process development, formalization of work instructions, and transfer to the Production Team.
19. Work with QA and process development to update current work instructions and implement their use.
20. Drive manufacturing troubleshooting and escalate issues when needed.
21. Verify accuracy of manufacturing records upon completion.
22. Possess proficient technical understanding of manufacturing methods and carry out product manufacturing as needed.
23. Promote a culture of high performance, execution, and quality.
24. Develop goals and objectives for each team member aligned with department goals and KPIs, including onboarding and training of new employees, 30-60-90 day plans, and adherence to training logs.
25. Support the career development of direct reports through active mentorship.
26. Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Desired Experience & Qualification

The candidate should have at minimum a BS in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline (MS / MBA preferred), with at least three years of relevant industry experience, including manufacturing, quality control, or project management.

Broad technical knowledge of life science reagents, enzyme production, or genomics is a plus.

Skills and experience required:

• Exceptional leadership and cross-functional team-building skills.
• Skilled at building and managing schedules, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and edit technical documents.

Education

An undergraduate degree in a relevant life science discipline is required; an advanced degree (MS / MBA) preferred.

Minimum of 3+ years in biotech or related industry, including positions with broad functional scope across manufacturing, quality, and project management.

Interested? To apply, please submit in PDF format: a letter of motivation and a resume highlighting relevant qualifications and experience. Applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered.

Local candidates preferred. If selected for an interview, provide three professional references who can assess your suitability for the role.

We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history, drug screening, and background checks, all in accordance with applicable laws.