Manufacturing Manager – Durban
Engineering and Technical ~ Production and Manufacturing
KZN
Overview:
Responsible for the safe, efficient operation of the production plant, including adhesive manufacturing, quality control, maintenance, and health & safety.
Accountable for production output, team leadership, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement in cost, quality, and service levels. Includes budget planning, operational reporting, and support of capital projects.
Key Responsibilities
People Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop the manufacturing team; set clear goals and maintain a culture of accountability.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, and workforce planning.
- Manage the unionised workforce and support union negotiations as required.
Production Planning & Execution
- Oversee day-to-day plant operations to ensure safe, reliable production.
- Develop and maintain production schedules to meet demand and inventory targets at optimal efficiency.
- Ensure products and processes meet ISO 9001 quality requirements.
- Work with the factory buyer to improve supplier performance, supply continuity, and cost.
Maintenance, Reliability & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure timely maintenance and repair of plant and equipment to support safe, reliable production.
- Monitor and control operating costs; implement cost-reduction and waste-reduction initiatives.
- Identify and remove production constraints; drive yield, efficiency, and productivity improvements.
- Maintain and improve safety and housekeeping standards in compliance with OHS requirements.
- Support formulation changes and process monitoring for consistent adhesive performance.
- Maintain site security systems including access control.
Requirements
- 7+ years of progressive leadership/management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience in budgeting, expense control, and operational cost management.
- Experience applying continuous improvement/lean tools (e.g. Six Sigma, 5S, Lean Manufacturing).
- Working knowledge of safety management systems and OHS compliance.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, maintenance, and engineering principles.
- Proven leadership, team-building, coaching, and performance management capability.
- Strong planning, organisational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; able to analyse data and operational trends.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to manage changing priorities.
