Production Manager

Job Title

Production Manager

Location

Polokwane, Limpopo

Company Overview

The business is a South African manufacturer based in Polokwane, Limpopo, specialising in the production of galvanised rainwater goods, including gutters, downpipes, and associated metal products for the building and construction industry. The operation focuses on converting thin sheet metal into finished products using sheet rollers and pressing machinery.

The organisation employs approximately 100 employees, with around 70 production staff on the factory floor and 30 office and support staff, operating across two related businesses under the same umbrella.

Purpose of the Role

The Production Manager will take full responsibility for day-to-day manufacturing operations at the Polokwane site. The role exists to provide dedicated, hands-on production leadership, ensuring efficiency, quality, safety, and consistency, while reducing the risk of errors caused by production management being split across multiple operations.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

Plan, coordinate, and control all production activities to meet output, quality, and delivery targets

Manage manufacturing processes involving sheet metal rolling, pressing, and forming equipment

Optimise workflow, machine utilisation, and labour allocation to improve efficiency and reduce waste

Identify and resolve production bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies

Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)

People Management

Lead, supervise, and develop approximately 70 production employees

Ensure productivity, discipline, attendance, and skills development on the factory floor

Build a respectful and inclusive working environment with sensitivity to local Sotho culture

Work closely with supervisors and team leaders to drive accountability and performance

Quality Control

Ensure finished products consistently meet required quality standards

Monitor defects, rework, and scrap levels, and implement corrective actions

Support continuous improvement initiatives across production processes

Health, Safety & Compliance

Enforce health and safety standards across all production areas

Ensure safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment

Maintain compliance with company policies and relevant labour and safety legislation

Planning & Coordination

Coordinate with procurement, stores, and administration to ensure uninterrupted material supply

Align production schedules with business requirements

Provide regular production reports and operational feedback to senior management

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

Formal qualification not essential

Industrial Engineering qualification or similar will be advantageous

Minimum 5 years experience in a production or manufacturing management role

Experience in sheet metal, light engineering, or metal fabrication environments preferred

Open to more senior and highly experienced candidates

Skills & Competencies

Strong hands-on production and floor-level management capability

Ability to quickly understand, stabilise, and improve existing processes

Practical, solution-driven problem-solving skills

Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Cultural & Equity Considerations

Open to equity candidates

Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively within a Sotho-speaking environment in Polokwane is important

The successful candidate must be adaptable, respectful, and able to earn trust quickly on the factory floor

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to senior management

Works closely with administrative and operational support teams

Key Success Indicators

Reduced production errors and rework

Improved production efficiency and consistency

Stable, well-managed production workforce

Strong on-site leadership and operational control