Production Manager

SUMMARY:
A well-established South African packaging solutions group serving the food, FMCG, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors is looking for a hands-on and driven Production Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations across digital printing and packaging converting departments.

The role is responsible for ensuring production runs efficiently across HP digital printers, laminating machines, bag making machines, slitters and associated converting equipment, while consistently meeting output targets, quality standards and safety requirements.

This position requires a strong technical leader who can manage teams, troubleshoot breakdowns, improve efficiencies and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Production Planning & Output
- Plan, schedule and manage daily production to meet delivery deadlines and output targets
- Ensure optimal utilisation of machines, materials and labour
- Monitor and improve OEE, waste, downtime and throughput
- Coordinate workflow between Printing & Packaging departments
- Work closely with Sales and Planning to prioritise urgent orders and minimise delays

Machinery & Technical Oversight
- Troubleshoot machine breakdowns and coordinate repairs with maintenance
- Reduce recurring mechanical and process failures
- Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are followed
- Drive root-cause analysis for production issues

Team Leadership
- Manage and lead teams to ensure production targets are achieved
- Allocate staff effectively according to production demand
- Train and develop operators on correct machine operation and quality standards
- Enforce discipline, productivity and accountability on the floor

Quality Control
- Ensure adherence to customer specifications and job cards
- Maintain print quality, seal integrity and product conformity
- Implement corrective actions for quality deviations
- Work with QC to reduce rejects, reworks and complaints
- Maintain GMP, BRCGS and internal quality standards

Safety & Compliance
- Enforce safe working practices and proper PPE usage
- Ensure machines operate within safety requirements
- Investigate incidents and implement preventative actions
- Maintain housekeeping and audit readiness

Continuous Improvement
- Identify efficiency improvements and cost-saving opportunities
- Reduce waste and improve yields
- Implement process improvements and standard operating procedures

Requirements:
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
- Diploma / Degree in Production Management, Engineering or related field
- Minimum 8 years production management experience in manufacturing
- Experience in flexible packaging / printing environment highly advantageous
- Proven experience managing production teams and meeting targets
- Understanding of quality systems (ISO / GMP / BRCGS advantageous)

Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and decision-making ability
- Mechanical and process troubleshooting skills
- Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
- High attention to detail and quality
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset
- Excellent planning and organisational skills

Why Join This Business?
- Established, growth-oriented business with a strong presence in the packaging industry
- Exposure to advanced digital printing, flexible packaging and automation technologies
- Quality-driven and customer-focused environment
- Opportunities across technical, operational and support functions in a multi-disciplinary business