SUMMARY:
Project & Plant Manager – Corrugated Packaging Manufacturing - Durban
POSITION INFO:
Our Textile Manufacturing and Retail client , is seeking an experienced and technically strong Project & Plant Manager ( Corrugated Packaging Conversion Plant to lead the establishment of a new in-house corrugated packaging conversion facility based in Durban. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing specialist to take ownership of a greenfield project , from initial feasibility studies and machinery selection through to plant commissioning, production ramp-up and ongoing operational management. Ideal Candidate We are looking for a practical, commercially minded manufacturing professional who understands corrugated packaging production from both a technical and operational perspective. The ideal candidate will be confident evaluating machinery, developing manufacturing processes, controlling production costs and building a high-performing production operation from the ground up. This is not a traditional Plant Manager role. We are looking for a specialist with substantial corrugated packaging expertise who can confidently lead both the technical project implementation and the eventual day-to-day plant operation. The successful candidate will play a critical role in evaluating the commercial viability of the proposed operation, determining the correct manufacturing processes and equipment, and establishing a cost-effective, efficient and sustainable production facility. Minimum Requirements Relevant qualification in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Packaging or Production Engineering\/Management. Approximately 8-15+ years' relevant manufacturing experience advantageous . Strong hands-on experience within corrugated packaging conversion, carton\/box production or closely related industrial packaging manufacturing is essential. Demonstrated experience in machinery selection, production-line installation, commissioning, plant expansion or greenfield manufacturing projects. Strong technical knowledge of corrugated board specifications, flute profiles, manufacturing processes, tooling and converting machinery. Experience with die-cutters, creasers, slotters, flexographic printing, folder-gluers, stitching equipment or related machinery. Strong understanding of manufacturing costing, waste reduction, material yield, machine utilisation and operational efficiency. Experience in production management, maintenance, quality systems and continuous improvement. Proven ability to lead production teams and coordinate cross-functional projects. Strong analytical, problem-solving, reporting and stakeholder management skills. Ability to independently evaluate technical solutions and make commercially sound recommendations. Advantageous Experience Greenfield manufacturing facility establishment. CAPEX budgeting, ROI calculations and manufacturing feasibility studies. Corrugated packaging product design and development. Machinery procurement and supplier negotiations. ERP\/MRP implementation and production planning systems. Lean manufacturing, TPM, OEE and preventative maintenance. Experience presenting technical business cases to executive management. Key Responsibilities Project Feasibility & Business Case Development Lead the technical and operational feasibility assessment for the proposed corrugated packaging conversion plant. Conduct make-versus-buy assessments to determine which packaging products should be manufactured internally. Evaluate manufacturing costs, production volumes, raw-material requirements, capacity and equipment suitability. Develop CAPEX requirements, operating-cost assumptions, ROI, payback and financial feasibility inputs. Identify operational, technical and commercial risks and present recommendations to senior management. Plant Design, Equipment Selection & Commissioning Determine machinery and tooling requirements for corrugated packaging conversion. Evaluate equipment suppliers, technical specifications, production capabilities and procurement options. Develop plant layouts, production workflows, material handling and infrastructure requirements. Lead machinery installation, commissioning, testing and production ramp-up. Establish production processes, SOPs, quality standards and preventative maintenance programmes. Coordinate suppliers, contractors and internal stakeholders throughout project implementation. Manufacturing & Operational Management Assume full operational responsibility for the plant following commissioning. Manage production output, manufacturing costs, quality, waste, efficiency and delivery performance. Monitor OEE, downtime, machine utilisation, changeovers and production KPIs. Establish and maintain accurate manufacturing conversion costs. Drive Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and operational excellence. Ensure compliance with health, safety and quality standards. Leadership & Team Development Develop the plant's organisational structure and staffing requirements. Recruit, train, mentor and manage production and technical personnel. Establish performance management systems, operational procedures and accountability structures. Promote a culture of safety, efficiency, quality and continuous improvement. Please take note: if you have not been contacted within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
