Production Manager - Heavy Industrial Manufacturing

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Production Manager for its Richards Bay operation in KwaZulu-Natal. The role oversees all production activities, fosters a high-performance culture, and ensures safety, quality, and efficiency across multiple departments.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in heavy industrial manufacturing, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of industrial processes and equipment. An MBA is a plus and relocation assistance may be provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering/operations management background required.
• MBA or master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive production management in heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Proven track record leading large teams and complex operations.
• Strong knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all production activities to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Develop and implement production strategies to meet objectives and demand.
• Lead production supervisors, foremen, and operators with a focus on performance and safety.
• Monitor output, quality metrics and costs; take corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Manage departmental budgets and control expenditures.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, supply chain and quality to optimize operations.
• Implement robust quality control systems to ensure product consistency.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Cost control

Team management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management

MBA or Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the heavy industrial manufacturing sector, is seeking a seasoned Production Manager for their significant operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, and adherence to stringent safety standards. You will lead and manage multiple production departments, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and manage resources effectively to meet ambitious production targets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing large-scale manufacturing operations, strong leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of industrial processes and equipment. This role requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, committed to fostering a high-performance culture within a demanding environment. Your leadership will be instrumental in maintaining our client's reputation for excellence and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all production activities, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Develop and implement production strategies and plans to meet company objectives and market demand.
• Manage and lead a diverse team of production supervisors, foremen, and operators, fostering a culture of performance and safety.
• Monitor production output, quality metrics, and operational costs, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Manage departmental budgets and control operational expenditures.
• Collaborate with other departments, including engineering, maintenance, supply chain, and quality assurance, to optimize overall operations.
• Implement and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure product consistency and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• An MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in production management within heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex manufacturing operations.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and technologies relevant to the industry.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations in a manufacturing context.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, performance bonuses, and relocation assistance if applicable. This role provides significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a leading industrial organization. You will have the autonomy to make strategic decisions and lead impactful changes in a challenging and rewarding environment. Join our client and take on a leadership role that shapes the future of heavy industrial manufacturing.