
Production Supervisor (Engineering Background)
- Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
- Permanent
- Full-time
- National Diploma or BTech/BSc in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (Essential)
- Minimum of 5-10 years’ combined experience in process and production sector
- At least 3 years in a supervisory or team leadership role within a manufacturing plant
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Six Sigma principles
- Excellent knowledge of production planning, capacity utilization, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (advanced Excel an advantage)
- Exposure to ERP/MRP systems and database reporting tools will be advantageous
- Must hold a valid Code 8 Driver’s License
- Sound understanding of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and internal audit principles
- Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Coordinate and supervise all production personnel across multiple shifts, ensuring compliance with production standards
- Lead daily and weekly production meetings with Setters and Shift Supervisors to address issues, relay goals, and implement improvements
- Schedule and oversee production planning to ensure optimal use of resources and adherence to customer delivery timelines
- Develop and implement process flow charts, work instructions, setting sheets, and inspection protocols
- Monitor cycle times, scrap rates, efficiency, and downtime; propose and implement corrective actions
- Drive continuous improvement and standardization initiatives across the plant
- Ensure raw materials are ordered, staged, and consumed in line with demand
- Ensure all production activities meet required quality, safety, and compliance standards
- Work closely with the Quality team to review non-conforming products and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Conduct regular line audits and support internal and external ISO audits
- Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations
- Identify training needs and conduct or coordinate training for production teams
- Mentor junior staff and support their professional development
- Enforce good housekeeping and workplace organization practices (5S)
- Act as the point of authority in the absence of the Area Manager
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production reports, including KPIs such as efficiency, output, scrap rate, and downtime
- Analyse performance data and recommend process improvements
- Maintain high standards of documentation and production records
- Assist the Stores Controller with material staging, stock reconciliations, and year-end inventory
- Support the Engineering and Maintenance teams with process evaluations, machine efficiency, and downtime reduction initiatives
- Provide input for capital investment decisions related to production machinery and tooling