Location: Chloorkop, Gauteng
Reporting to: Factory Manager
Role Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Production Manager – Printing to oversee production operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Reporting to the Factory Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for production planning, team leadership, process stability, equipment performance, quality, cost control and continuous improvement. This is a hands-on operational leadership role requiring someone who can optimise production performance while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and operational discipline.
The operation functions in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, and the successful candidate must therefore be available to work shifts, weekends and provide on-call support when operationally required.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning and Performance
Plan, organise and control daily production activities across assigned manufacturing areas.
Manage and optimise production schedules to achieve output and delivery targets.
Monitor production performance, identify constraints and implement corrective actions.
Minimise downtime and maximise equipment and asset utilisation.
Maintain stable and efficient production processes.
Analyse and report on key production indicators, including output, downtime, waste and quality performance.
Quality and Process Control
Implement and enforce quality standards to ensure consistent product output.
Monitor production processes and address deviations from required quality and performance standards.
Identify opportunities to improve yield, reduce waste and strengthen process efficiency.
Ensure corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
Equipment and Operational Reliability
Oversee equipment performance and support effective preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
Work closely with Maintenance and Engineering teams to resolve recurring downtime and process constraints.
Support the commissioning and integration of new equipment.
Contribute to process, equipment and operational improvement initiatives.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, coach and develop production supervisors, operators and other production employees.
Build a high-performance, accountable and safety-focused production culture.
Drive employee engagement, teamwork and operational discipline.
Ensure production teams understand and achieve their operational targets.
Address performance concerns and support the development of employee capability.
Cost and Continuous Improvement
Manage production costs, including labour, materials, waste and related operating expenses.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Drive waste reduction and yield optimisation initiatives.
Support continuous improvement programmes, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma projects where applicable.
Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, environmental and quality standards.
Promote safe working practices and maintain a strong safety culture throughout production operations.
Ensure production teams comply with established procedures, controls and operational requirements.
Minimum Requirements
A technical diploma or degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical Engineering, or another relevant technical field.
A minimum of five years’ production management experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Proven experience leading production teams and managing manufacturing assets.
A strong understanding of production processes, manufacturing equipment and quality systems.
Demonstrated experience managing production schedules, output, downtime, waste and operating costs.
Ability and willingness to work within a 24/7 operational environment, including shifts, weekends and on-call support when required.
Advantageous Experience
Experience gained within a continuous manufacturing environment.
Previous exposure to printing-related production operations.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience supporting equipment commissioning, process optimisation or operational improvement projects.
Skills and Competencies
Strong production and operational management capability.
Effective leadership and team-development skills.
Sound analytical and problem-solving ability.
Strong planning, organisational and coordination skills.
A practical, hands-on approach to resolving production challenges.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Strong focus on safety, quality and operational discipline.
Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
Cost awareness and a continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to hold teams accountable while creating a positive and productive working environment.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced and hands-on production leader who understands how to balance output, quality, equipment reliability, cost and people performance. They should be comfortable operating in a demanding 24/7 manufacturing environment, able to solve production challenges quickly and committed to developing accountable, high-performing teams.
This is an excellent opportunity for a capable Production Manager to play an important role in improving operational performance and ensuring the consistent delivery of quality products.
