Production jobs in South Africa

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

• 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

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

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.