Production Manager/ Workshop Foreman

Chainlink Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 305,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

Chainlink Recruitment is seeking a strong Production Manager / Workshop Foreman to oversee a busy mechanical manufacturing and repair workshop in Johannesburg. You will manage a team of approximately 15 artisans, ensure efficient workflow from intake to dispatch, and maintain high quality and safety standards.

The role requires a mechanical engineering background (beneficial), excellent client communication, and proven leadership to drive performance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Workshop Manager, Production Foreman, or Production Manager in an engineering environment.
• Mechanical Engineering background (beneficial).
• Strong understanding of mechanical repairs, production processes, and workshop operations.
• Proven track record of managing artisans in a manufacturing or repair workshop.
• Strong administrative ability (quotations, costing, invoicing, job cards).
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple jobs simultaneously.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• High attention to detail and quality assurance.
• Strict, assertive leadership style with the ability to enforce standards and drive performance.

Responsibilities

• Workshop Management — Oversee daily workshop operations and ensure smooth workflow.
• Team Leadership — Manage ±15 artisans; enforce discipline, productivity, and quality standards.
• Client Interaction — Engage with clients regarding machine repairs, progress updates, and delivery timelines.
• Repair Intake & Dispatch — Receive machines for repair, allocate work, and ensure repaired machines are sent out timeously.
• Quotations for New Machines — Prepare quotations for new machines and equipment.
• Repair Costing — Conduct costing and prepare quotations for machines requiring repair.
• Invoicing — Handle invoicing for completed jobs and ensure accurate billing.
• Production Oversight — Ensure production targets are met and workshop efficiency is maintained.
• Quality Control — Ensure all repaired machines meet quality and safety standards.
• Workflow Coordination — Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely completion of jobs.

Skills

Workshop management

Team leadership

Client interaction

Production planning

Quality control

Organisational skills

Leadership style (assertive)

Job description

PRODUCTION MANAGER / WORKSHOP FOREMAN

Location: Denver, Johannesburg South

Industry: Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineering / Machine Repairs

Employment Type: Permanent

Urgency: Immediate

Salary: Market‑related, negotiable (± R30,000)

Introduction

Our client is seeking a strong, disciplined, and experienced Production Manager / Workshop Foreman to oversee a busy mechanical manufacturing and repair workshop. The successful candidate will manage a team of approximately 15 artisans, ensure efficient workflow, handle client interactions, and oversee the full repair cycle — from intake to dispatch.

A Mechanical Engineering background and proven experience managing artisans in an engineering workshop are highly advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• Workshop Management — Oversee daily workshop operations and ensure smooth workflow

• Team Leadership — Manage ±15 artisans; enforce discipline, productivity, and quality standards

• Client Interaction — Engage with clients regarding machine repairs, progress updates, and delivery timelines

• Repair Intake & Dispatch — Receive machines for repair, allocate work, and ensure repaired machines are sent out timeously

• Quotations for New Machines — Prepare quotations for new machines and equipment

• Repair Costing — Conduct costing and prepare quotations for machines requiring repair

• Invoicing — Handle invoicing for completed jobs and ensure accurate billing

• Production Oversight — Ensure production targets are met and workshop efficiency is maintained

• Quality Control — Ensure all repaired machines meet quality and safety standards

• Workflow Coordination — Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely completion of jobs

Minimum Requirements

• Previous experience as a Workshop Manager, Production Foreman, or Production Manager in an engineering environment

• Mechanical Engineering background (beneficial)

• Technical Knowledge — Strong understanding of mechanical repairs, production processes, and workshop operations

• Proven track record of managing artisans in a manufacturing or repair workshop

• Strong administrative ability (quotations, costing, invoicing, job cards)

• Excellent communication and customer‑service skills

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple jobs simultaneously

• Strong organisational and planning skills

• High attention to detail and quality assurance

• A strict, assertive leadership style with the ability to enforce standards and drive performance