Production Manager, Edenvale

A well-established South African packaging solutions group, operating across flexible packaging, digital printing and packaging machinery, is seeking a hands-on and driven Production Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations. The business delivers integrated solutions to the food, FMCG, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.

The role is responsible for ensuring production runs efficiently across digital printing and packaging converting operations, including HP digital printers, laminating machines, bag-making machines, slitters and associated equipment. The successful candidate will be accountable for meeting output targets, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring compliance with safety requirements.

This position requires a strong technical leader who can manage teams, troubleshoot equipment breakdowns, optimise processes, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Production Planning & Output

• Plan, schedule and manage daily production to meet delivery deadlines and output targets

• Ensure optimal utilisation of machines, materials and labour

• Monitor and improve OEE, waste, downtime and throughput

• Coordinate workflow between Printing & Packaging departments

• Work closely with Sales and Planning to prioritise urgent orders and minimise delays

Machinery & Technical Oversight

• Troubleshoot machine breakdowns and coordinate repairs with maintenance

• Reduce recurring mechanical and process failures

• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are followed

• Drive root-cause analysis for production issues

Team Leadership

• Manage and lead teams to ensure production targets are achieved

• Allocate staff effectively according to production demand

• Train and develop operators on correct machine operation and quality standards

• Enforce discipline, productivity and accountability on the floor

Quality Control

• Ensure adherence to customer specifications and job cards

• Maintain print quality, seal integrity and product conformity

• Implement corrective actions for quality deviations

• Work with QC to reduce rejects, reworks and complaints

• Maintain GMP, BRCGS and internal quality standards

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce safe working practices and proper PPE usage

• Ensure machines operate within safety requirements

• Investigate incidents and implement preventative actions

• Maintain housekeeping and audit readiness

• Continuous Improvement

• Identify efficiency improvements and cost-saving opportunities

• Reduce waste and improve yields

• Implement process improvements and standard operating procedures

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• Diploma / Degree in Production Management, Engineering or related field

• Minimum 8 years production management experience in manufacturing

• Experience in flexible packaging / printing environment is a must

• Proven experience managing production teams and meeting targets

• Understanding of quality systems (ISO / GMP / BRCGS advantageous)

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability

• Mechanical and process troubleshooting skills

• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines

• High attention to detail and quality

• Analytical and problem-solving mindset

• Excellent planning and organisational skills

Why Join?

• Industry Legacy and Growth: Join a well-established, growth-oriented group with over three decades of packaging leadership.

• Innovation-Driven Culture: Work with cutting-edge digital printing, flexible packaging and automation technologies.

• Customer-Focused Mission: Be part of a team that prioritises quality, sustainability, and long-term client partnerships.

• Diverse Career Opportunities: Opportunities span technical, creative, sales, operations and support functions in a multi-disciplinary environment.