Production Manager - Automotive

Our client is seeking an experienced Production Manager to join the Uitenhage team,

· Plan, organise, and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules to meet customer demand.

· Ensure optimal utilisation of labour, machinery, and materials.

· Monitor production output, efficiency, scrap, and downtime; implement corrective actions where required.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S).

· Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949
, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.

· Work closely with Quality to investigate non-conformances, customer complaints, and internal defects.

· Ensure adherence to process controls, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.

· Ensure compliance with South African OHSA
, company safety standards, and environmental regulations.

· Promote a strong safety culture and ensure risk assessments, toolbox talks, and safety audits are conducted.

· Investigate incidents and implement preventative measures.

· Lead, motivate, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and operators.

· Manage staffing levels, shift patterns, overtime, and absenteeism.

· Conduct performance reviews, training needs analysis, and succession planning.

· Ensure compliance with labour legislation and company HR policies.

· Manage production budgets and control manufacturing costs.

· Analyse KPIs such as OEE, productivity, scrap, rework, and delivery performance.

· Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety.

· Grade 12

· Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Management
, or similar.

· Relevant production or operations management certification will be advantageous.

· 5–10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in the automotive industry.

· Proven experience managing high-volume automotive production lines.

· Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes (assembly, machining, press, welding, or injection moulding depending on plant).

· Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement tools.

· Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools.

· Solid understanding of IATF 16949 and automotive quality systems.