JUNIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER

SUMMARY:
Are you a hands-on production professional ready to take the next step in your career and play a key role in driving a busy manufacturing operation?
We’re looking for a Junior Production Manager to support the Production Manager in overseeing day-to-day production activities across converting, corrugation, materials handling, waste management and production support.
This is an opportunity for someone who understands the realities of the shop floor, enjoys working with people and machinery, and is motivated by achieving production targets while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, efficiency and customer service.

POSITION INFO:

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the Production Manager with the day-to-day management of the production department.
• Coordinate and monitor production teams, including converting operators and supervisors.
• Monitor daily production performance against planned targets and drive productivity and efficiency.
• Track key production indicators including output, capacity, lead times, waste, quality defects, downtime and OTIF.
• Identify production constraints and escalate delays, breakdowns, quality issues and resource challenges.
• Work closely with Engineering to identify recurring machine issues and assist with reducing downtime.
• Assist with production planning, scheduling and short-term resource allocation.
• Ensure customer orders are produced according to required dates and priorities.
• Monitor attendance, overtime, productivity and general discipline within the production environment.
• Maintain accurate production records, reports and administrative documentation.
• Assist with stock control across raw materials, work in progress, finished goods, consumables, tooling and inks.
• Monitor production costs and assist with controlling costs in line with budget requirements.
• Conduct production floor checks and maintain strong housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and participate in incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Work closely with Quality Control to identify and resolve production defects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, quality, safety and downtime.
• Assist with developing and training production employees and building positive team relationships.
• Act in the Production Manager’s capacity when required.

What You’ll Need

• Matric / Grade 12 is essential.
• A Diploma or Degree in Production Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain or a related field would be advantageous.
• 3–5 years’ experience in an FMCG, manufacturing, converting, packaging, corrugated or similar production environment.
• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience will be advantageous.
• Strong shop-floor production experience.
• Exposure to production planning, production administration, stock control and manufacturing processes.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to analyse production data.
• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
• Good understanding of production KPIs, stock control, 5S and continuous improvement.
• Ability to identify production problems and contribute to root-cause investigations.

The Person We’re Looking For