PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

We are currently seeking a Manager-Production-(Cooling Plant) to join our dynamic team in Ezakheni. 

The Manager-Production (Cooling Plant) is responsible for providing leadership and operational oversight of the production plant, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing aligned to business objectives and customer requirements. The role drives operational excellence, continuous improvement, workforce performance, and sustainable cost management, while ensuring full compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and labour regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and execute the plant manufacturing strategy aligned to company goals.
• Lead daily operations to deliver on volume, quality, cost and delivery targets.
• Optimise capacity utilisation and drive OEE improvement.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead capital investment, automation and plant optimisation projects.
• Drive strict cost control across labour, materials, scrap and overheads.
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop large, unionised, multi-shift teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, Finance and Commercial.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering / manufacturing / industrial engineering
• 8–10 years’ manufacturing experience
• 2–3 years in senior production leadership
• Experience managing large teams (1000+ preferred)
• Strong ISO systems exposure and audit readiness
• Proven track record in cost control and operational improvement
• Experience in unionised and multi-shift environments.

ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Cooling / refrigeration manufacturing experience
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
  

• Production output vs plan
• OEE improvement and downtime reduction
• Cost per unit optimisation
• Scrap and rework reduction
• Strong safety performance
• High employee engagement and productivity
  

Please be advised if you haven’t been contacted within 30 days then your application is unsuccessful.