Senior Auto Production Leader — Lean, Quality & Growth

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid, life insurance, and incap

Pension fund contributions

International training opportunities

Company car or vehicle allowance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading automotive components supplier in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to recruit a senior Production Manager. The role oversees all manufacturing operations, drives safety, quality, and on-time delivery, and leads lean initiatives across the plant.

The successful candidate will have a mechanical/industrial engineering background, 7+ years in automotive production management, and strong experience with IATF 16949, MES/ERP systems, and large teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in production management in automotive.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience leading large production teams and proficiency with MES/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all production activities to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality components.
• Develop and implement production strategies to meet objectives and customer demands.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency.
• Lead lean manufacturing initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Kanban) to reduce waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain to drive improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Production management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing)

MBA (optional)

Tools

MES

ERP software

Job description

Placements24 is assisting a leading automotive components supplier in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to recruit a senior Production Manager. The role oversees all manufacturing operations, drives safety, quality, and on-time delivery, and leads lean initiatives across the plant.

The successful candidate will have a mechanical/industrial engineering background, 7+ years in automotive production management, and strong experience with IATF 16949, MES/ERP systems, and large teams.