Our client is a leading manufacturing organisation supplying tissue and hygiene products across South Africa and neighbouring countries through retail, B2B, and digital commerce channels. With multiple operational facilities and a strong commitment to operational excellence, they are seeking an experienced Production Manager (Printing) to oversee production operations, lead teams, optimise efficiency, and ensure consistent high‑quality output.

Reporting to the Factory Manager, this role is critical to the performance of the printing and manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will manage production schedules, process stability, equipment reliability, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast‑paced, continuous manufacturing environment.

Key Performance Areas

• Daily Production Management — Plan, organise, and control daily production operations

• Production Scheduling — Monitor and optimise schedules to meet targets and minimise downtime

• Quality Assurance — Implement and enforce quality standards for consistent product output

• Equipment Reliability — Oversee equipment performance, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting

• Maintenance Collaboration — Partner with Maintenance and Engineering teams to resolve recurring downtime

• Process Improvements — Support commissioning of new equipment and process optimisation

• Team Leadership — Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and operators

• Operational Discipline — Drive accountability, engagement, and high‑performance culture

• Cost Control — Manage labour, materials, waste, and production costs

• Efficiency Improvements — Identify opportunities for waste reduction and yield optimisation

• Continuous Improvement — Support Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives

• Compliance — Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards

• Data Analysis — Analyse production data and report on KPIs (output, downtime, waste, quality)

• Corrective Actions — Implement corrective actions and monitor performance against targets

Minimum Job Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Technical diploma or degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or related field

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in production management within manufacturing or industrial environments

• Experience in continuous manufacturing (advantageous)

• Proven leadership experience managing production teams and manufacturing assets

• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and quality systems

• Ability to work in a 24/7 operational environment, including shifts, weekends, and on‑call support

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies

• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, organisational, and communication skills

• Sound analytical ability with a focus on operational efficiency and improvement

Role Impact

This is a key leadership position responsible for driving operational excellence, developing high‑performing teams, and ensuring consistent delivery of quality products in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. The Production Manager plays a vital role in maintaining process stability, optimising production output, and supporting long‑term operational success.