Production Foreman – Trailer Manufacturing

SUMMARY:
A leading South African trailer manufacturer is looking for an experienced Production Foreman to lead a high-performing welding and fabrication team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on production professional with strong leadership skills and extensive experience in welding and heavy manufacturing. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring production targets are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

POSITION INFO:
A leading South African trailer manufacturer is looking for an experienced Production Foreman to lead a high-performing welding and fabrication team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on production professional with strong leadership skills and extensive experience in welding and heavy manufacturing. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring production targets are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all welding and fabrication production activities.
• Plan, organize, lead, and control daily production to meet manufacturing schedules.
• Ensure welded components and trailer assemblies are manufactured according to engineering drawings and quality standards.
• Monitor production output, productivity, and labour efficiency.
• Conduct capacity planning and optimize production processes.
• Allocate labour, equipment, and materials to maximize production performance.
• Lead and motivate welders, boilermakers, assistants, and production personnel.
• Coordinate production activities with Planning, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, and Stores.
• Monitor workflow and resolve production bottlenecks.
• Ensure continuous material availability to prevent production delays.
• Manage overtime, attendance, clock cards, shift planning, and workforce scheduling.
• Enforce company policies, disciplinary procedures, and grievance processes.
• Maintain welding equipment, tools, fixtures, and workshop machinery in optimal condition.
• Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental (SHE), and quality requirements.
• Conduct daily production meetings and communicate performance targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Tertiary qualification in Production Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Valid Code 8 Driver's Licence.
• Clear criminal record.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the trailer or heavy fabrication industry.
• Strong understanding of welding processes, production planning, and manufacturing operations.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Ideal Candidate

• Trade Tested Welder, Boilermaker, Vehicle Body Builder, or similar artisan qualification.
• Experience in high-volume trailer manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • MIG, TIG, ARC, and structural welding
  • Trailer chassis and structural fabrication
  • Jigs and fixtures
  • Lean manufacturing principles
  • Production scheduling and capacity planning
  • Quality control systems
  • Health and Safety legislation
  • Workshop and equipment management