Senior Production Manager (Operations)

Findojobs South Africa; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company is seeking a highly experienced Production Manager to oversee operations in KwaZulu-Natal. This senior management role involves managing end-to-end production processes, promoting continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate has strong operational insight, technical expertise in paper manufacturing, and a strategic approach to leadership.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in paper manufacturing or similar industrial environment.
• At least 5 years in a management or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of paper machine operations.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Plan and manage plant operations for optimal utilization.
• Lead Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Continuous Improvement Programs.

Skills

Operational insight

Technical expertise in paper manufacturing

Leadership

Resource optimization

Continuous improvement

Education

BSc (Engineering) or BTech (Pulp & Paper)

Management Development Programme (MDP)

Job description

A leading manufacturing company in the pulp and paper sector is seeking a highly experienced Production Manager to oversee operations at their plant in KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will manage end-to-end production, resource optimization, and long-term planning, while promoting continuous improvement, compliance, and team development. This senior management role is ideal for a strategic leader with strong operational insight and technical expertise in paper manufacturing processes.

Location : KwaZulu-Natal (Tugela Region)

Salary : Market-related

Reporting to : General Manager

Job Grade : Grade 5 (Senior Management Level)

Industry : Paper & Pulp / Manufacturing

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Essential Qualifications :

• BSc (Engineering) or BTech (Pulp & Paper) – Required
• Management Development Programme (MDP) or equivalent – Advantageous
• Computer Literacy (MS Office)

Experience :

• 8–10 years of experience in paper manufacturing or a similar heavy industrial environment
• At least 5 years in a management / leadership role
• Extensive experience in production operations management, including strategic planning, resource optimization, and continuous improvement processes (e.g., TPM, PIP)
• Strong understanding of paper machine operations, coating and finishing processes, and other technical areas like pulping, bleaching, steam / power generation, and water processing systems
• Proven track record of budget management, team leadership, and plant performance improvement

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Strategic Planning

• Define and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in areas of Quality, Cost, Delivery, Environment, and People (QCDEP)
• Plan and manage plant operations for optimal utilization of people, energy, and raw materials
• Execute and improve short-term (budget) and long-term (5-year) development plans across machinery, processes, and workforce
• Lead and facilitate Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Continuous Improvement Programs (PIP)
• Monitor and reduce planned downtime hours through performance tracking and analysis
• Support product development and respond to customer feedback
• Ensure compliance with legislation, ISO standards, and internal policies

How to apply :

• Follow the link to our job seekers’ page - https://measuredability.com/jobs/
• Search for the job title
• Click Apply to submit your CV