Production Supervisor (Engineering Background)

Headhunters; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing recruitment agency is searching for an experienced Production Supervisor with an engineering background to join a dynamic team in Gqeberha. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of experience in production, strong leadership skills, and a technical engineering background. This role involves overseeing production processes, ensuring quality and compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in process and production sector.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory role within a manufacturing plant.
• Must hold a valid Code 8 Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Supervise production personnel across multiple shifts.
• Lead production meetings and implement improvements.
• Monitor cycle times and efficiency, proposing corrective actions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

5S

Six Sigma principles

Production planning

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

National Diploma or BTech/BSc in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Production Supervisor (Engineering Background)

Our client, a leader in the manufacturing sector, is seeking to appoint a hands-on and experienced Production Supervisor with an Engineering Background to join their dynamic team based in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).

Reference 2744487747

Sector Automotive / Manufacturing

Location Gqeberha

Job Type full_time

Experience 5 to 10 years

Qualifications No education

Package Negotiable

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma or BTech/BSc in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (Essential)
• Minimum of 5-10 years’ combined experience in process and production sector
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or team leadership role within a manufacturing plant
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Six Sigma principles
• Excellent knowledge of production planning, capacity utilization, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (advanced Excel an advantage)
• Exposure to ERP/MRP systems and database reporting tools will be advantageous
• Must hold a valid Code 8 Driver’s License
• Sound understanding of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and internal audit principles
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Responsibilities

Production and Process Management

• Coordinate and supervise all production personnel across multiple shifts, ensuring compliance with production standards
• Lead daily and weekly production meetings with Setters and Shift Supervisors to address issues, relay goals, and implement improvements
• Schedule and oversee production planning to ensure optimal use of resources and adherence to customer delivery timelines
• Develop and implement process flow charts, work instructions, setting sheets, and inspection protocols
• Monitor cycle times, scrap rates, efficiency, and downtime; propose and implement corrective actions
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization initiatives across the plant
• Ensure raw materials are ordered, staged, and consumed in line with demand

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure all production activities meet required quality, safety, and compliance standards
• Work closely with the Quality team to review non-conforming products and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Conduct regular line audits and support internal and external ISO audits
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations

People Leadership and Development

• Identify training needs and conduct or coordinate training for production teams
• Mentor junior staff and support their professional development
• Enforce good housekeeping and workplace organization practices (5S)
• Act as the point of authority in the absence of the Area Manager

Reporting and Analytics

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production reports, including KPIs such as efficiency, output, scrap rate, and downtime
• Analyse performance data and recommend process improvements
• Maintain high standards of documentation and production records

Support Functions

• Assist the Stores Controller with material staging, stock reconciliations, and year-end inventory
• Support the Engineering and Maintenance teams with process evaluations, machine efficiency, and downtime reduction initiatives
• Provide input for capital investment decisions related to production machinery and tooling

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver with the technical acumen of an engineer and the leadership capacity of a supervisor. You’ll be expected to lead by example, think critically under pressure, and bridge the gap between day-to-day operations and strategic production goals.