A premier manufacturing firm in Howick is seeking a strategic Production Manager to lead a large-scale operation. Responsible for a workforce of 150+ and a monthly turnover of R135m. Requires an Engineering/Business Degree and 5+ years of senior plant management experience. Salary: R1.02m – R1.2m CTC.
📍 Role Overview
- Location: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
- Reference: JHB002420
- Contract: Permanent
- Industry: Engineering, Technical & Manufacturing
- Salary: R 85,000 – R 100,000 Monthly (R1.02m – R1.2m CTC Annually)
- Closing Date: 14 February 2026
🎯 Purpose of the Job
This is a high-level strategic leadership position. While you must understand the “nuts and bolts” of the factory floor, your primary focus is driving business performance. You will be expected to optimize a high-volume facility to meet massive revenue targets (R135 million monthly) while reducing waste and improving the bottom line.
🔑 Key Responsibilities
Strategic Production Leadership
- Strategy Execution: Develop and align production goals with global business objectives.
- KPI Management: Monitor key performance indicators to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
- Capacity Planning: Continuously assess infrastructure and resourcing to support business growth and innovation.
Operational Excellence
- Lean Manufacturing: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and optimize machine uptime.
- Throughput Optimization: Design production schedules that maximize product flow and ensure on-time delivery.
- Maintenance Coordination: Oversee preventative maintenance schedules to minimize unscheduled downtime.
Financial & Compliance Management
- Budgetary Control: Manage departmental budgets and investment planning with strict financial discipline.
- Health & Safety: Lead workplace safety initiatives and audits, ensuring 100% compliance with OHSA and the BCEA.
- Quality Assurance: Guarantee that all products meet rigorous quality specifications before dispatch.
Workforce Management
- Team Leadership: Inspire and develop a large workforce of 150+ employees across multiple shifts.
- Accountability: Champion a culture of excellence where every team member is responsible for quality and safety.
✅ Minimum Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Business Studies.
- Senior Experience: Minimum 5+ years in a Senior Production or Plant Management role.
- Scale Experience: Proven track record of managing operations with a monthly turnover of R135 million+ and a staff complement of 150+ people.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Quality Assurance. Experience in Rubber Manufacturing or Heavy Industry is a significant advantage.
🧠 Key Competencies
- Numerical Mastery: Advanced analytical ability, specifically with ERP systems and complex Excel modeling.
- Decisiveness: Ability to make high-level decisions that balance immediate production needs with long-term sustainability.
- Resilience: Thriving under the pressure of tight deadlines and massive financial targets.