Production Manager, Pretoria

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.

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