Production Manager

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient movement of product from supplier collection points to the company’s production facility, while managing production operations, asset maintenance, and plant optimization activities

Job Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient movement of product from supplier collection points to the company’s production facility, while managing production operations, asset maintenance, and plant optimization activities. This role ensures effective scheduling of transport resources, strong operational leadership, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement across all production and logistics functions to achieve efficiency, safety, and compliance.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Transport & Distribution Operations

• Oversee the safe and timely movement of product from supplier locations to the company’s plant.
• Schedule drivers and manage transport resources to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Monitor fleet performance, fuel usage, and vehicle maintenance.
• Identify and resolve delays, inefficiencies, and operational risks.

Production & Asset Maintenance

• Support execution of operational strategy by aligning departmental plans with company objectives.
• Ensure Team Leaders effectively supervise their teams and achieve production and maintenance targets.
• Monitor production, testing, cleaning, refurbishing, and quality-control processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Track workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to reduce backlogs and downtime.

Process Optimization & Operational Analysis

• Analyse production workflows and operating conditions to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Perform variance analysis against budgets and performance targets and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for quality issues, process deviations, or operational delays.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using structured improvement methodologies.
• Conduct time and motion studies to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Map and redesign processes to improve efficiency and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Monitor equipment performance and recommend upgrades, automation, or process enhancements.

Innovation & Technology Integration

• Identify and implement automation and digital monitoring solutions.
• Introduce modern process control strategies to improve efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Provide data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Implement initiatives to reduce downtime, cost, and operational risk.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Use operational data to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure plant and departmental data is accurate, reliable, and properly maintained.
• Prepare monthly operational reports for submission to senior management.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators to measure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Finance on inventory reviews and variance investigations.

Leadership, Coaching & People Development

• Ensure training plans are completed and properly documented.
• Identify underperformance and manage performance improvement plans.
• Address misconduct or policy breaches in line with HR procedures.
• Coach, mentor, and support Team Leaders and staff to improve performance and engagement.
• Develop and execute individual development plans for all direct reports.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Foster strong collaboration across departments.

Safety, Security & Compliance

• Place the safety of employees and assets as the top priority in all operations.
• Strengthen compliance through proactive risk management and adherence to all regulatory and company standards.
• Support risk identification and mitigation initiatives.
• Ensure accurate use of HR systems for payroll and attendance tracking.
• Enforce safety, security, environmental, and operational policies, including PPE use, housekeeping, and emergency preparedness.

Cost Management & Efficiency

• Ensure responsible management of labour and operating expenses.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity while controlling costs.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform any additional duties assigned by senior management.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Process Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in production, manufacturing, or industrial operations.
• At least two years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership role.

Key Competencies

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong knowledge of production, distribution, and installation processes.
• Production planning and scheduling.
• Health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Budgeting and cost control.
• Team leadership, coaching, and mentoring.
• Change management and continuous improvement.
• KPI development and performance tracking.
• Risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Stakeholder and relationship management.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Leads by example and inspires high performance.
• Takes accountability and ownership of results.
• Develop and mentor team members.
• Encourages responsibility and engagement.
• Proactively identifies and resolves operational challenges.
• Focuses on efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Uses data to guide decisions.
• Prioritizes safety and compliance.
• Build trust and fosters collaboration.
• Recognizes performance and contributions.
• Demonstrates empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Remains adaptable and resilient under pressure.
• Maintains strong attention to detail while keeping a strategic perspective.
• Acts with integrity and ethical judgement.
• Embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensures actions consistently align with commitments.

REF:J.C