SENIOR PRODUCTION PLANNER / CO-ORDINATOR (INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER) - EAST RAND

Level-Up; Germiston; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Production Manager to enhance operations in steel and timber production. You will implement lean principles and ERP systems while leading teams to optimize workflows and improve efficiency. This role is vital for transitioning the company towards a more systematic and data-driven production approach, ensuring high standards in quality and delivery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in custom/project-based manufacturing.
• Experience in implementing ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong proficiency in production software and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize steel and timber manufacturing operations.
• Design centralized production planning system and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Manage performance KPIs and coaching team leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Change Management

Lean Principles

Just-In-Time (JIT)

Education

Degree in Industrial Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a strategic, experienced Senior Production Manager to lead and professionalize our specialized steel and timber manufacturing operations for retail sector fixtures and fittings. The ideal candidate will have strong manufacturing industry experience , preferably with an Industrial Engineering background , and a proven track record in ERP system implementation , lean production , and just-in-time (JIT) practices.

This role is critical to transitioning the business from a reactive, ad-hoc manufacturing approach to a streamlined, high-efficiency operation. You will play a pivotal role in reducing errors and costs, increasing throughput, optimizing staff utilization, and improving scheduling and workflow planning.

Job Description

Position Title :

Senior Production Manager

Reporting To :

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Production Management

• Lead, manage, and optimize all steel and timber production lines to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Develop and implement production strategies aligned with company growth and client delivery expectations.
• Overhaul existing reaction-based production model and instil systematic, data-driven planning and prioritization processes.

2. Planning & Workflow Optimization

• Design and deploy a centralized production planning system , integrating all job cards and production schedules across departments.
• Prioritize and schedule jobs to ensure optimal resource utilization and deadline adherence.
• Eliminate bottlenecks and who shouts the loudest prioritization culture through structured job tracking and coordination.

3. ERP & Systems Implementation

• Select and implement an ERP or MRP system tailored to custom manufacturing workflows.
• Lead digitization efforts including job tracking, inventory management, production dashboards, and real-time performance metrics.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, minimize rework, and improve efficiency.
• Introduce just-in-time (JIT) production where appropriate to reduce overproduction, storage costs, and material waste.

5. People & Performance Management

• Manage and coach departmental supervisors, team leaders, and production teams (both timber and steel).
• Monitor performance KPIs (output, errors, downtime, overtime, etc.) and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Right-size staffing levels to align with demand while minimizing overtime and excess capacity.

6. Quality Assurance & Risk Mitigation

• Reduce error rates and production defects through process control, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with costing, design, and installation teams to ensure manufacturability and sequencing integrity.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a custom or project-based manufacturing environment (e.g., shopfitting, furniture, steel / timber fabrication, engineering products).
• Degree in Industrial Engineering or related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in :
• Leading production in a multi-product, low-volume-high-variety environment.
• Implementing ERP / MRP systems from concept to go-live.
• Applying lean, JIT, and continuous improvement principles in real-world settings
• Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills.
• Deep understanding of the challenges in deadline-driven, specialized manufacturing.
• High proficiency in production software, Excel, and digital dashboards.

Success Measures

• Reduction in overtime and staffing inefficiencies.
• Improved lead time adherence.
• Increased production throughput and order tracking visibility.
• Successful implementation of ERP / MRP and planning systems.

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