23 Manufacturing jobs in Pinetown

Are you a visionary manufacturing leader ready to shape the future of operational excellence?

We’re seeking a Director – Regional Manufacturing in Durban (Jacobs) to lead strategic oversight of our manufacturing operations, drive performance, and champion innovation across our regional sites.

The Director-Regional Manufacturing role involves developing and implementing production strategies, optimizing schedules, and managing capacity and resources to meet customer demand efficiently. The role develops and fosters technological advancement, implements investment plans, and reports to Senior leadership on performance, plans, and challenges, ensuring the site’s overall success and sustainability.

This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where safety, quality, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.

Core Functions

• Lead and optimize manufacturing operations to meet customer demand and business goals.
• Drive performance across key metrics: safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Champion a world-class safety culture and ensure full HSE compliance.
• Foster continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced technologies.
• Develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning, and empowerment.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and deliver sustained financial improvements.
• Oversee asset reliability, maintenance, and capital investment projects.
• Build strong relationships with employees, unions, and community stakeholders.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial or Operations Management (master’s preferred).
• 15+ years in unionized retail manufacturing with proven leadership in large-scale operations.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and digital transformation.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale production facilities and achieving KPIs (quality, cost, delivery, safety).
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen.
• Ability to foster teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Experience in change management and digital transformation initiatives.
• Exceptional people leadership, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills.
• Deep understanding of HSE, compliance, and quality standards.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a purpose-driven multinational organization leading in innovation and sustainability.
• Lead transformative initiatives that shape the future of manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams.
• Enjoy a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous growth.

Ready to lead with impact?
Apply now and take the next step in your leadership journey.

6 people have applied for this job. 245 people have viewed this job.

Defy Appliancesis a South African manufacturing company and is the largest manufacturer and distributor of major domestic appliances insouthern Africa.The company manufactures and develops a range of large appliances fromgas stoves,refrigerators,washing machinesandtumble dryersto continuous clean ovens andconvection ovens.

It currently operates two factories:

• Jacobs (Durban) - manufactures free-standing stoves, built-in ovens and hobs, tumble dryers.
• Ezakheni (Ladysmith) - manufactures electric chest freezers and electric refrigerators.

Defy Appliances was founded in the 1905in Wentworth, KwaZulu-Natal by John Skinner and Sir Benjamin Greenacre. The company manufactured its first product,electric stoves, in 1932.The Durban Falkirk Iron Company (DFI, now DEFY) moved the foundry from Jacobs to Newcastle around 1987.In July 2011, the company was purchased byTurkishbasedArçelik as part of its plan to expand into emerging markets in Africa.

Defy has earned the right to be called an iconic brand in South Africa, engendering a long-lasting, loyal relationship with our consumers over the past 117 years. Our brand is greater than our products or services – it has an immensely strong influence not only on consumers but also on the entire appliance and electronics industry.

Through a strong focus on R&D, Defy continues to design and develop new products, keeping the brand relevant and aspirational. Defy has always been a pioneer in the large appliance market, with innovation and technological advancement being the main thrust of its product development. With products focused on good nutrition, water and energy efficiency, Defy strives to ensure that our consumers live better lives

Our manufacturing client in Durban is looking for an Industrial Designer to join their team.

The successful candidate should have experience in Industrial Design and a strong background with design software.

1. Determine clients' requirements for new designs.
2. Identify and report on global and local market trends.
3. Use computer software to develop virtual models of designs.
4. Assist department with creating physical prototypes of designs.
5. Assist with the roll out of new products and designs for production.
6. Setting up of display areas and display products for client inspection.
7. Evaluate product safety, appearance and function to determine design feasibility.
8. Design cost improvement, aesthetics, robustness and energy efficiencies on all new developments.
9. Present designs and demonstrate prototypes to clients for approval.

1. Matric
2. Tertiary qualification in Industrial Design or similar.
3. Experience working as an Industrial Designer in a manufacturing environment.
4. Experience with software design, 3D visualisation, prototyping, sketching, modeling and simulation.
5. Experience using Adobe, AutoCAD and Solidworks.
6. Good project management experience / skills.

Please note: shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5 days for interview. If not contacted, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Our client is looking for an Inventory Supervisor to join their team.

1. Plan, organise, supervise and participate in daily warehouse operations.
2. Staff management, including training and HR/IR related duties.
3. Supervise movement of materials to production.
4. Manage all warehouse-related documentation.
5. Continuously monitor stock levels.
6. Ensure all H&S regulations are adhered to.
7. Ensure all warehouse processes and procedures are followed.
8. Report compilation and feedback to management.

1. Matric
2. Relevant tertiary qualification is advantageous.
3. Solid experience managing a team is essential.
4. Experience working as an Inventory Supervisor in a manufacturing environment.
5. ERP knowledge and experience.

Please note: shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5 days for an interview. If not contacted, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Overview

Our client, a leading company in the packaging manufacturing industry , is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead its large-scale production facility. This senior role carries responsibility for a workforce of approximately 350–400 employees , including department managers , and oversees a multi-disciplinary packaging manufacturing operation in a unionised environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving productivity, efficiency, cost optimisation, and operational excellence , while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and accreditation standards (ISO 9001:2015, FSSC 22000).

• Full accountability for all packaging manufacturing operations within a 63,000m² facility.
• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership to departmental managers and teams across printing, Die-cutting, Finishing, and Corrugating departments.
• Drive productivity enhancement , waste reduction, and continual efficiency improvements .
• Ensure effective planning and scheduling of production to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Oversee capital equipment maintenance and upgrades ; manage new equipment installation projects.
• Lead OEE performance management and implement structured reporting systems.
• Champion the adoption of ERP systems and technology-driven solutions for operations optimisation.
• Maintain quality and compliance standards , including ISO and FSSC accreditations, and lead audits.
• Ensure effective labour relations , including engagement with unions and workplace fora.
• Develop and mentor departmental leaders and implement apprenticeship/training programmes to build future skills.
• Participate in executive-level decision making and contribute to company-wide strategy.

• Numerically strong with an analytical mindset.
• Technically oriented with a logical, practical approach .
• Collaborative, persuasive, and effective in conflict resolution .
• A strong, firm leader capable of managing relationships upwards, downwards, and sideways .
• Change agent with proven experience driving cultural and operational transformation.

• Relevant Engineering degree (BSc, BEng Preferred). Post Grad Business Management or MBA advantageous.
• Minimum 10–15 years’ operations leadership experience in large-scale manufacturing , in packaging, printing, plastics, or FMCG .
• Proven track record of multi-disciplinary leadership (managing multiple departments and large staff complements).
• Strong exposure to unionised environments and labour engagement.
• Demonstrated achievements in LEAN manufacturing, OEE implementation, and process optimisation .
• Experience in managing capital projects and facility expansions/modernisations.
• ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 compliance management experience essential.

This role offers the opportunity to take a senior leadership position in a respected South African packaging business, with scope to influence strategy, culture, and performance at executive level. You’ll lead a significant operation, drive modernisation projects, and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s next phase of growth.

Overview

Our client, a leading company in the packaging manufacturing industry , is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead its large-scale production facility. This senior role carries responsibility for a workforce of approximately 350–400 employees , including department managers , and oversees a multi-disciplinary packaging manufacturing operation in a unionised environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving productivity, efficiency, cost optimisation, and operational excellence , while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and accreditation standards (ISO 9001:2015, FSSC 22000).

• Full accountability for all packaging manufacturing operations within a 63,000m² facility.
• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership to departmental managers and teams across printing, Die-cutting, Finishing, and Corrugating departments.
• Drive productivity enhancement , waste reduction, and continual efficiency improvements .
• Ensure effective planning and scheduling of production to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Oversee capital equipment maintenance and upgrades ; manage new equipment installation projects.
• Lead OEE performance management and implement structured reporting systems.
• Champion the adoption of ERP systems and technology-driven solutions for operations optimisation.
• Maintain quality and compliance standards , including ISO and FSSC accreditations, and lead audits.
• Ensure effective labour relations , including engagement with unions and workplace fora.
• Develop and mentor departmental leaders and implement apprenticeship/training programmes to build future skills.
• Participate in executive-level decision making and contribute to company-wide strategy.

• Numerically strong with an analytical mindset.
• Technically oriented with a logical, practical approach .
• Collaborative, persuasive, and effective in conflict resolution .
• A strong, firm leader capable of managing relationships upwards, downwards, and sideways .
• Change agent with proven experience driving cultural and operational transformation.

• Relevant Engineering degree (BSc, BEng Preferred). Post Grad Business Management or MBA advantageous.
• Minimum 10–15 years’ operations leadership experience in large-scale manufacturing , in packaging, printing, plastics, or FMCG .
• Proven track record of multi-disciplinary leadership (managing multiple departments and large staff complements).
• Strong exposure to unionised environments and labour engagement.
• Demonstrated achievements in LEAN manufacturing, OEE implementation, and process optimisation .
• Experience in managing capital projects and facility expansions/modernisations.
• ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 compliance management experience essential.

This role offers the opportunity to take a senior leadership position in a respected South African packaging business, with scope to influence strategy, culture, and performance at executive level. You’ll lead a significant operation, drive modernisation projects, and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s next phase of growth.

A renown chemical manufacturing company based in Durban is seeking the expertise of a experienced HSE Manager to join their team.

Requirements :

• Degree in Health and Safety or Risk Management and or equivalent
• SAMTRAC / SHEMTech / HIRA Qualification is advantageous
• Relevant ISO 9001, ISO 18001 and ISO 45001 experience is essential
• 5 years' experience within a similar environment

Correspondence will only be conducted with short listed candidates. Should you not hear from us within 3 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Job Description

• Assist supervisors and planner in developing production plan, policies, programs and objectives
• Review and adjust the schedule where needed
• Monitor and control production targets and maintain quality standards and monitor improvement and recommendations through CPAR
• Management of process team to investigate and root cause corrective actions
• Monitor and guide department supervisors in manufacturing and safety procedures
• Department visual management is maintained and that communication within morning meetings is effective (bad news first)
• Manage human and material resources to meet production targets
• Work out and implement standard operating procedures for production operations
• Managing all product and process costings, headcounts, and manhours
• Labour costing and requisition motivation and approval
• Ensure that standard operating procedures are adhered to
• Determine and implement improvements to the production process
• Prepare and maintain production reports daily, weekly, monthly
• Monitor and review the performance of staff and organize necessary interventions for improvement
• Implement cost control programs
• Ensure efficient collaboration and coordination between relevant departments including commercial, stores, distribution, technical and management teams
• Communication with customers and suppliers
• Monitor production efficiencies in all departments and ensure corrective actions are taken to rectify poor performance
• Ensure and analyze production and quality control to detect and correct problems
• Manage all production employees directly or indirectly through supervisors
• Work with HR on staff performance related issues and discipline in line with company policies
• Monitor and control company code of conduct for employees
• Direct and coordinate various programs essential to manufacturing processes
• Develop action plans and targets in line with strategy and operating budget of department
• Heads reviews and reports on each department's strategy and ensure all objectives are understood and met
• Transform business to focus on quality standardization and systems improvement
• Ensures the effective functioning of the following departments:

SMT

PBA /Final Assembly

LAB

• Justify/motivate for increase/decrease in personnel
• Close monitoring of process performance within the department
• Carry out performance appraisals on subordinates
• Provide technical support to department and customers
• Continually assess and train
• Ensure workmanship standards are maintained at an acceptable level
• Ensure highest levels of housekeeping at all time
• Sign off on material variances that are significant and investigate
• Attend Manco meetings and present on department performance
• Attend quality review meeting
• Ensure month end line side stock counts are performed
• All completed job cards are signed off and closed
• WIP minimized by month end
• All kits that have been produced are returned to stores

• Liase and consult with Human resources department and assist with the implementation of:
• Effective succession planning
• Recruitment and talent management and retention
• Training and development
• Transformation and BEE

• Provide a safe working environment, adhering to OHSE procedures, and ensuring that they are understood and in place and practiced by the team at all times
• Ensure implementation and adherence to health and safety procedures

• Guide the manufacturing departments and assist in developing and implementing quality management strategies
• Communicate and implement strategy for quality improvement of quality issues across all departments
• Takes responsibility for ensuring compliance to PL’s QMS in line with ISO 9001
• Identify risks and opportunities in the department
• Identify any improvement opportunities for processes
• Ensure production processes are delivering intended outputs
• Responsibility of maintaining QMS documentation where your departments are concerned
• Assist quality department and other supervisors in achieving any other accreditations being pursued
• Set and monitor product quality standards
• Implement and enforce quality control and tracking programs to meet quality objectives
• Management and Leadership Conflict resolution
• Leading an effective cohesive production team and managing performance within the department
• Promotion of BEE compliance, Employment Equity, Skills Development and health and safety standards

• Ensure that the repairs and maintenance schedule is followed for all scheduled maintenance
• Any non-scheduled machine maintenance/breakdowns are resolved timeously
• Manage the maintenance team to ensure all maintenance functions are being performed
• Evaluate machinery to ensure correct Cpk is being achieved and arrange for maintenance/calibration with relevant suppliers as and when required
• Manage subcontractors who manage maintenance on certain equipment (air conditioning, hoist, etc)
• Make decisions about equipment use, maintenance, modification, and procurement

Industry: Manufacturing / Engineering / Projects

Ref No.: TRG 2154

Start Date: As soon as possible

An opportunity for an experienced SENIOR ACCOUNTANT is required for permanent employment based in Richards Bay.

• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, in accordance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide monthly analysis of financial performance of the business with in-depth review of balance sheet and profit and loss statement.
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger by supporting and reviewing the accounting processes.
• Preparation and submission of group quarterly reporting.
• Local and international intercompany reconciliation.
• Generate and analyse aging reports monthly to identify overdue payments and outstanding receivables, taking proactive measures to resolve issues and improve cash flow.
• Review month-end payments process to ensure accuracy, compliance, and internal control effectiveness, verifying authorization and documentation to prevent errors and fraud.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Tax compliance: Prepare and file tax returns, ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations, and support tax audits by providing necessary documentation and information.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits by providing requested documents, explanations, and assistance to auditors to ensure audit objectives are met efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition, depreciation, and disposal, in accordance with accounting standards.
• Involvement and liaison with Warehouse Management with Cyclical and the Bi-Annually Stock take and related reconciliations to the system.
• Regularly assess inventory levels and turnover rates, optimizing management strategies to minimize excess or obsolete stock and reduce holding costs.
• Review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage and cost-effectiveness.
• Quarterly Stats submission as required.
• Assist with the development of new financial models to improve efficiency and reporting quality.
• Assist in the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans by providing accurate and timely financial data and analysis.
• Maintain and optimize accounting software and financial systems to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance data accuracy and security.
• Assist in financial planning activities, investment evaluation, to support strategic decision-making and long-term growth initiatives.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analysis as requested by management to address specific business needs or inquiries.

• Degree in Accounting or Finance; CA (SA) preferred; Extensive knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and regulations, including IFRS and tax laws.
• 10 years proven work experience in an accounting role (ideally in Manufacturing and/or Project Management industries).
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Enhancement and motivation of a positive team spirit.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Auditing background preferred.
• SAP experience would be beneficial.
• Knowledge in IT, VBA, SQL and/or Power BI would be an advantage.

• We will ONLY consider applications from suitably experienced candidates that meet the requirements of this vacancy.
• Interested applications are requested to submit their updated CV’s (in Word.doc format) via email to using Ref # 2154.
• Attach any relevant documentation that will support & enhance your application, including tertiary and secondary qualifications, relevant professional memberships, trade certificates, and previous employment references.
• Correspondence is reserved for the shortlisted candidates who meet the minimum requirements.
• Should you not hear from us within 3 weeks of your application, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

CONNECT | LIKE | FOLLOW | SHARE | TAG

TheRecruitmentGuy (Pty) Ltd South Africa

• Facebook:
• LinkedIn: The Recruitment Guy
• Twitter: @GuyRecruitment
• Instagram: the_recruitment_guy
• EMAIL: