Production Manager Printing, Kempton Park, South Africa

We are seeking a Production Manager (Low Volume Assets) to oversee production operations, lead teams, optimize efficiency, ensure high-quality output, and maintain safety and environmental standards. This role is critical to the operational success of the organization and the stable performance of low-volume production assets.

Reporting to the Factory Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing production schedules, process stability, equipment reliability, cost control, and continuous improvement.

KEY PERFOMANCE AREA:

• Plan, organize, and control daily production operations across assigned low-volume production assets.

• Monitor and optimize production schedules to meet targets, minimise downtime, and ensure efficient asset utilisation.
• Implement and enforce quality standards to ensure consistent output.
• Oversee equipment performance and ensure effective preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and process improvements.

• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering teams to address recurring downtime and process constraints.
• Support commissioning of new equipment or process changes.
• Lead, coach, and develop production teams, including supervisors and operators, to build a high-performance, safety-focused culture.
• Drive accountability, engagement, and operational discipline across teams.
• Manage production costs, including labour, materials, and waste.
• Identify and implement opportunities for efficiency improvements, waste reduction, and yield optimisation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma projects.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Analyse production data and report on KPIs such as output, downtime, waste, and defects.
• Implement corrective actions and track performance against targets.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Technical diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical) or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in production management within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience with Flexographic (Flexo) printing is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Proven leadership experience in supervising production teams and managing asset performance.
• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and quality requirements.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 operational environment, including shifts, weekends, or on-call support.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or safety management.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills.

This is a leadership role critical to operational success of the organisation to deliver a serviette product offering.