Plant Manager (Manufacturing) – Durban

Reporting to: General Manager

 

Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage a manufacturing business unit, ensuring the achievement of operational, financial, and strategic objectives.

 

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12

• Engineering Degree

• Minimum 5 years’ senior management experience in manufacturing industry

 

3 non-negotiables:

• Strong manufacturing experience

• Ability to come into a chaotic business and systematically work through the mess and clean it out

• STRONG LEADERSHIP – assertive, but not dictatorial.

 

Key Competencies & Experience

• Strong financial acumen (income statement, balance sheet, ratios)

• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles

• Good technical and operational capability

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement manufacturing strategy aligned to business objectives

• Lead change initiatives and drive operational improvements

• Approve and oversee production planning

 

Operations Management

• Optimise plant performance, efficiencies, and resource utilisation

• Manage production, plant projects, and contractor activities

• Analyse production data to identify improvement opportunities

 

Project Management

• Oversee new product launches and plant readiness

• Manage project timelines, transitions, and implementation

 

Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation and benchmarking against best practices

• Monitor industry trends and competitor activity

 

Financial Management

• Contribute to budgeting and monitor financial performance

• Manage CAPEX, cost control, and asset protection

• Ensure compliance with financial policies and governance

 

Customer & Supplier Management

• Maintain strong relationships with customers and key suppliers

• Identify and implement improvement opportunities

 

Quality, SHE & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and quality standards

• Maintain relevant ISO and quality accreditations

• Drive achievement of quality targets

 

People Management

• Lead and develop teams to achieve performance targets

• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, and training

• Drive performance management, employee engagement, and discipline

• Support transformation and employment equity objectives