Manager Production jobs in South Africa

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