Production Manager (Manufacturing Plant)

Industrial Bakeware Company (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bakeware company in South Africa is looking for a Production Manager to oversee manufacturing processes and lead a dynamic team. The ideal candidate has a National Diploma or Bachelor's degree, with 5–7 years of relevant experience in a senior management role. Responsibilities include managing production schedules, ensuring quality control, and optimizing operational efficiency. This is a full-time position requiring in-person work, offering a competitive salary and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years experience in a manufacturing or production Senior Management role.
• Proven experience in managing teams and shifts.
• Experience in meeting production targets and ensuring quality control.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate manufacturing production processes.
• Recruit, train and develop production personnel.
• Collaborate with departments to improve plant efficiency.

Skills

Production Planning & Control

Lean Manufacturing Principles

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Cost Efficiency Optimisation

Data Analysis and Reporting

Leadership & Team Management

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Production Management

Operations Management

Mechanical Engineering

Business Management with manufacturing experience

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems Proficiency

Job description

About us

We are a leading provider of innovative industrial bakeware solutions, committed to delivering exceptional service and value to our clients. With over 14 years of experience and a recent surge in growth, we pride ourselves on being a solution‑driven and service‑oriented business, creating long‑term partnerships with our clients.

We aim to deliver excellence. Excellent products, coatings and a service from first contact to post‑sale. We value the fact that bakeries have made a decision to order their bakeware through us in a highly competitive market, so we strive not only to deliver quality products to bakeries, but also to deliver world class service to our customers which they can trust.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Production Manager: Manufacturing to join our dynamic team.

As the Production Manager you’ll be responsible for the management, supervision and coordination of manufacturing production processes and resources to meet the needs of the business and to ensure effective business operations.

The main function of the job will include, but are not limited to the following:

Production

• Overall management, supervision and leadership of manufacturing team (production foremen, shift leaders, team leaders and operators)
• Development and implementation of production plans and schedules in alignment with production deadlines and customer demand
• Develop labour and machine plan for each production run
• Oversee the entire production process and ensure efficient utilisation of resources
• Monitor production progress to ensure daily targets are being met
• Manage and resolve production issues and disruptions, minimising downtime and ensuring timely delivery
• Ensure minimal rejects, overruns and waste
• Manage production flow (material handling, batch control)
• Preparation of shift sheets and route cards
• Manage budgets and monitor production costs, identifying and implementing cost‑saving measures
• Ensure that production cost is within budget as specified in the Bill of Materials
• Implement and maintain quality control procedures throughout the production process
• Analyse production data, identify areas for improvement, and continuously implement process optimisations
• Prepare post‑production reports as required by management
• Facilitate routine maintenance and repairs of production equipment and machinery
• Collaborate with other departments to optimise workflows and improve overall plant efficiency.
• Manage coordination and communication between divisions
• Collaborate with the Operations director to align production goals with overall business objectives.
• Report production performance metrics and key issues to the as required.

Staff management

The Production Manager is responsible for managing and developing production staff:

• Recruit, train and develop production personnel, including foremen, shift leaders, team leaders and operators.
• Ensure strict adherence to health and safety & housekeeping standards and procedures across all manufacturing departments.
• Work with team leaders and foreman to implement the company’s policies and goals
• Review worker performance and report on their assessments to HR as required
• Identify training needs to HR and ensure training is executed
• Manage all manufacturing staff and execute any required disciplinary action

Minimum Qualifications

• National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in:
• Production Management, or
• Operations Management, or
• Mechanical Engineering, or
• Business Management (with manufacturing experience)

Work Experience

• 5–7 years experience in manufacturing or production Senior Management role,

Proven experience in:

• Managing teams and shifts
• Meeting production targets
• Quality control
• Cost efficiency and planning

Technical Competencies

• Production Planning & Control
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Cost and Efficiency Optimisation
• Maintenance Coordination
• Inventory and Supply Chain Coordination
• Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance (SHEQ)
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• ERP/MRP Systems Proficiency
• Understanding of Labour Laws and HR Policies

Leadership Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management
• Problem‑Solving and Decision‑Making
• Communication Skills
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Adaptability and Stress Tolerance
• Attention to Detail
• Strategic Thinking
• Conflict Resolution
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

IBCO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Employment Equity. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with our EE Plan. The company reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Job Type: Full‑time

Work Location: In person