Plant Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client, a national manufacturing company, currently seeks an experienced, target driven and hands-on Plant Manager to lead and manage the Business Unit to achieve the company objectives.

POSITION INFO:
The Person: Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce or Science or equivalent.   Minimum 5 years Senior Management experience in the Automotive industry, due to requirements required by clients in the sector. Plant Management experience crucial. Chemical Engineering understanding would be of great advantage. Must have an understanding of an income statement, balance sheet and financial ratios. Understanding of Lean Manufacturing Principals to ensure good management of the Process Engineering department. Good technical aptitude to ensure management of the Maintenance department. Demonstrated experience working in an OEM customer-driven environment. Understanding of VDA 6.3 IATF 16949. Foaming experience an added advantage. Understanding in-depth maintenance, process and production. Firm, principled candidate, production orientated, results driven. Focus within 3 months – urgent attention to system process improvement, culture change however most imperative is the scrap. The Job: Report to the General Manager: Develop Plant medium to long term Manufacturing Strategy and Operational plans. Align Plant Manufacturing Strategy to the overall business strategy. Provide strategic and change leadership to the Manufacturing function and teams. Implement new equipment\/technology\/processes in accordance with the Manufacturing Strategic plan. Achieve\/exceed the annual Manufacturing Operational plan in accordance with set targets. Approve production plans. Analyse production reports. Customer and supplier relations. Develop and update Manufacturing Policies, Procedures, Protocols, Work Instructions, Codes of Practice, etc. Production Management: Establish best practices for Plant utilisation and efficiencies. Manage Plant projects. Analyse and interpret Production statistics\/data in order to identify opportunities for improvements. Oversee the activities of all contractors in the Plant. Project Management: Project management of run in\/run out of models\/business projects. Ensure plant readiness for implementation of new business project. Continuous Improvements: Keep up to date with latest trends and developments in manufacturing technologies. Benchmark Plant processes against best practices. Monitor competitors’ activities and identify opportunities for improvements. Quality Management System: Maintain IATF 16949 accreditation. Improve employee’s awareness within the department of quality targets and objectives. Achieve PPM targets. SHE: Address workplace hazards and risks. Apply safety, health and environment practices and legal requirements when working on machines and equipment. Maintain ISO1 4001\/ISO 4500 accreditation. Financial Management: Provide input into the budget process. Monitor performance against budget (expense controls, variances, etc.). Initiate requests for Capex\/disposal\/transfers. Participate in the audit process. Adhere to financial policies and procedures. Protect company assets (working capital & fixed assets). Staff Management: Manage individual, team and departmental performance to achieve organisational objectives. Manage labour stability and complement in line with budget. Participate in the implementation and utilisation of equity related processes. Determine the training needs of the department. Coach and counsel staff to ensure improved performance levels. Ensure discipline is maintained in department (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.). Resolve grievances and disputes.