Production Supervisor

Milton Resourcing; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Resourcing is seeking an experienced Production Supervisor to lead daily manufacturing operations in a fast-paced plastics/packaging/printing environment. The ideal candidate will drive productivity, maintain quality, safety, and continuous improvement, while coaching high-performing production teams.

Candidate should have 8–10 years in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in supervision, and a solid background in Lean methods and production reporting.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) is required.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Manufacturing, Production Management, Engineering, Operations Management or related field is advantageous for the role.
• 8–10 years' experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years' experience supervising and leading production teams in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience in plastics, packaging or printing industries is preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles is beneficial.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily manufacturing operations to meet production targets.
• Lead, coach and develop production teams to maximise productivity and performance.
• Monitor workflow, staffing and resources to optimise efficiency.
• Ensure quality standards and implement corrective actions as required.
• Promote health, safety, environmental and company policies.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching and staff development.
• Investigate and resolve production and employee-related issues.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Planning and other departments to minimise downtime.
• Prepare production reports, shift handovers and operational documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity and waste reduction.

Skills

People management

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Lean Manufacturing

Production planning

KPI reporting

Safety compliance

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

Tertiary qualification in Manufacturing/Production/Engineering/Operations (advantage)

Job description

An established manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Production Supervisor to lead daily manufacturing operations, drive production performance, and develop high-performing production teams. This role is best suited to a hands-on leader with experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments, specifically within the plastics, packaging, or printing industries. The successful candidate will be passionate about operational excellence, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily manufacturing operations to achieve production targets.

• Lead, coach, and develop production teams to maximise productivity and performance.

• Monitor workflow, staffing, and resource allocation to optimise operational efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with quality standards and implement corrective actions where required.

• Promote and enforce health, safety, environmental, and company policies.

• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, disciplinary processes, and staff development initiatives.

• Investigate and resolve production, operational, and employee-related issues.

• Work closely with Maintenance, Quality, Planning, and other departments to minimise downtime.

• Prepare production reports, shift handovers, and operational documentation.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, and process optimisation.

• Participate in root cause analysis and implement preventative actions.

• Maintain effective communication between production teams and management.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Manufacturing, Production Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field will be advantageous.

• 8-10 years' experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, preferably within the plastics, packaging, or printing industries.

• A minimum of 5 years' experience supervising and leading production teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

• Proven people management experience, including coaching, performance management, employee development, and discipline.

• Experience in the printing industry is highly advantageous.

• Electronic or electrical background will be advantageous.

• Sound understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement principles.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.

Key Competencies

• Production Planning & Manufacturing Operations

• Team Leadership & People Management

• Performance Management & Employee Development

• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimisation

• Lean Manufacturing

• Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Health & Safety Management

• Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving

• Production Reporting & KPI Management

• Resource Planning & Workflow Coordination

• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Why Apply?

• Join a well-established manufacturing business.

• Lead a high-performing production team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Play a key role in improving productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.

• Opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence.

Please note: Only candidates with production supervisory experience gained in fast-paced plastics, packaging, or printing manufacturing environments will be considered.