Overview

Our Client in the Automotive Industry is seeking a Production Manager to join their team. The successful incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic guidance to all production operations – lead, organise, monitor and control all production operations and processes to achieve production and organisational targets.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric
• Degree/Diploma in Production/Operations Management/Industrial Engineering Science or equivalent
• Minimum 6 Years in Automotive/Manufacturing experience
• Minimum 6 Years in a similar role
• Textile non-wovens are advantageous

Job Responsibilities

Strategy

• Develop the plant medium to long-term manufacturing strategy
• Assist with developing operational strategy.
• Align the plant manufacturing strategy to the overall business strategy
• Provide strategic and change leadership to the manufacturing function and teams
• Achieve/exceed the annual manufacturing operational plan in accordance with set goals, targets, and criteria

Production Planning

• Plan, schedule, and monitor production (sales forecasts, requirements, stock levels, maintenance requirements, changeovers, etc.)
• Schedule and arrange maintenance and repairs for manufacturing operations
• Oversee production planning
• Approve production plans
• Analyse and interpret production statistics/data to identify opportunities for improvements

Production Management

• Deliver operational results following plant plans and budgets
• Ensure appropriate standards are established for plant utilisation and efficiency, and that performance is constantly monitored against these standards
• Meet all production and operational deadlines and implement continuous improvement savings
• Optimise the manufacturing processes
• Ensure the optimal and efficient use of plant and production resources
• Manage plant improvement projects
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing-related problems and sub-standard performance
• Establish best practices for plant utilisation and efficiencies
• Oversee the activities of production contractors in the plant

Raw Materials

• Monitor the level of production material to ensure sufficient material to support production
• Oversee the monthly stock takes and ensure that records are correctly entered

Maintenance

• Implement planned maintenance on all equipment with the maintenance department in line with the Planned Maintenance schedule, as agreed

Continuous Improvement

• Keep up to date with the latest production trends and developments
• Benchmark manufacturing processes and technology against best practices
• Continually measure, monitor, and provide improvement plans for improving business systems efficiency and cost reduction programs

Reporting and People Management

• Compile Production Reports
• Participate, present and report on all production issues at HOD meetings
• Monitor the achievement of daily production targets
• Manage individual, team, and departmental performance to achieve organisational objectives
• Manage labour stability and complement in line with budget, including managing production headcount
• Participate in the implementation and utilisation of equity-related processes, as required
• Plan, organise and monitor production work in the plant and within own areas of responsibility
• Determine the training needs of the department
• Manage workforce discipline and sub-standard performance
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels
• Ensure discipline is maintained in the department (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.)
• Resolve grievances and disputes
• Partake in SACO hours clearances, and exceptions approval process as per payroll requirements and meet deadlines for payroll submission

SHE

• Conduct continuous risk assessments in the workplace
• Conduct planned task observations in the workplace
• Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace
• Address workplace hazards and risks
• Apply safety, health, and environmental practices and legal requirements when working on machines and equipment