Production Manager

Job Title

Production Manager

Polokwane, Limpopo

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.

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.

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

Reports directly to senior management

Works closely with administrative and operational support teams

• Reduced production errors and rework
• Improved production efficiency and consistency
• Stable, well‑managed production workforce
• Strong on‑site leadership and operational control