Manufacturing Executive - Cape Town

SUMMARY:
Lead high‑volume operations, drive performance, and shape a unionised workforce in a precision manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO:
A leading precision manufacturing organisation is seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Executive to take full accountability for its high-volume, unionised production environment. This is a senior leadership role with direct responsibility for operational excellence, strategic alignment, and people development across a 24\/6 manufacturing operation. 🔹 Key Responsibilities Direct the entire manufacturing function with full P&L accountability. Translate sales plans into dynamic capacity and production schedules. Champion strict ERP compliance and data-driven decision-making. Drive productivity, quality, and waste reduction through Lean\/WCM methodologies. Lead and coach a team of ~119 staff, including 6 direct reports. Ensure compliance with ISO standards, OHS, and statutory regulations. Collaborate with executives on strategic operational goals. Production planning • Translate the sales plan into dynamic capacity plans across all departments, and direct departmental production schedules that support the Master Production Plan. • Develop strategies to increase capacity where required and streamline pre-production workflows for prompt release of production orders. • Champion strict ERP compliance for data accuracy and process discipline. Production • Map and master the factory''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s manufacturing capabilities and production flow; proactively identify and resolve bottleneck constraints to eliminate downtime and increase capacity. • Establish daily performance dashboards to enable management by exception. • Drive a disciplined factory-wide focus on productivity, quality and waste reduction (first time right, Lean and other WCM methodologies), and launch continuous improvement initiatives. • Optimise headcount allocation to achieve production at minimal labour cost, and maximise material yield through active tracking of scrap, rework and material variances. Stores • Oversee raw material, work-in-process and finished goods stores, with strict ERP adherence, accurate inventory management and stock integrity. Compliance • Full compliance with OHS and company policies in line with ISO 45001, ISO 9001 and the implementation of ISO 14001; strict adherence to the Explosives Act in the Final Assembly area. Leadership and financial • Formulate and manage operational budgets with strict cost control. • Lead, coach and develop direct reports; instil accountability and performance management; foster a culture of teamwork, discipline and continuous improvement. • Champion specialised training initiatives to close critical skills gaps, and collaborate with the Executive team on strategic operational goals. 🔹 Candidate Profile Take note that all these requirements are essential Degree\/Diploma in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering. Formal qualification in Operations Management. 10+ years' experience in high-volume manufacturing, with 5+ years at senior management level. Proven leadership of a unionised workforce (~200 employees). Strong ERP (SAP) proficiency and operational reporting skills. Ethical, collaborative, and hands-on leader with a constant presence on the factory floor. Fluent in English and Afrikaans; additional languages advantageous. 🔹 Success Measures OTIF Production (On Time in Full) Shift Productivity Costing & Stock Accuracy Process Standardisation & Mastery Inventory Days Outstanding Shared scorecard objectives: Safety, EBIT, Operating Free Cash Flow Apply now: This is a rare opportunity to lead manufacturing excellence in a precision engineering environment.