80 Plant Manager jobs in South Africa

Health, Safety and Risk Regulations:

• Ensure safe operation of the plant is in place and met.
• Report any conditions that may affect safety of personnel or machinery to supervisors and management.
• Production items and deadline on safety report needs to be maintained and reported on.

Environment and Sustainability:

• Comply and implement SA Environment and Sustainability procedures and work instructions.
• Implement and monitor production environment and sustainability to meet all relevant and legal company requirements, including relevant documentation - Environment report.

Leadership and Human Resources:

• Comply and implement company and HR procedures and work instructions.
• Conduct production meetings with the staff and ensure minutes are shared across the team.
• Continually strive to improve teamwork with employees.
• Ensure performance appraisals are conducted with staff and deadlines are met.
• Ensure production team is effectively communicated with regarding their responsibilities and authorities.
• Report and implement training and development of production team using available training opportunities. Ensure production personnel are skilled and trained according to work instructions relevant for their job functions.
• Manage production employee relation climate and ensure corrective and disciplinary action is taken when required in line with legislation and policies.
• Manage production staff timekeeping, leave, and attendance in line with company policy.
• Request recruitment of production staff and organise exit medicals.

Quality and Laboratory:

• Comply and implement procedures and work instructions at Branches.
• Implement and monitor production quality control processes.
• Implement and monitor ISO standards and approach in all areas of production.
• Housekeeping in production and yard area.
• Investigate and establish the root cause of production related problems on NCR registers, calibration, and verification mix.

Finance and Administration:

• Contribute to procedures and work instructions.
• Obtain quotes and recommend suppliers for production related expense items.
• Implement and encourage cost-cutting initiatives.

Procurement and Inventory:

• Manage production loss factors and initiate plans to reduce these losses.
• Daily production planning document.

Operations Management:

• Compile daily production plan and sequencing in order to ensure maximum efficiencies.
• Analyse and drive production asset productivity through KPIs.
• Daily capture, analyse and report of production data, actual KPIs vs budget and work with production team to address areas of non-conformance.

Business Intelligence and Communication:

• Check daily production data and releasing DHP.
• Ensure adherence to production ERP and DH application system and data requirements.

Matric

Production or related qualification

Code 8 licence

3 - 5 years in a similar position.

• HR Services, Recruitment & Selection

AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY

• Manage daily operations and administration of the non-production plant, warehouse, and bagging facility.
• Oversee raw material storage, stock control, scheduling, and quality assurance.
• Lead teams, including maintenance and supervisory staff; drive staff performance, growth, and safety.
• Ensure equipment and plant reliability through effective maintenance and preventative programs.
• Optimize production output, implement cost-saving and efficiency initiatives, and manage environmental impact.
• Maintain SHEQ standards (Safety, Health, Environment, Quality), safeguarding company assets.
• Handle customer liaison, agent relationships, import coordination, and accurate reporting.
• Plan production, administer floor stock and reporting processes, and maintain checklist compliance.
• Compile and manage budgets and strive for continuous business improvement and meeting targets.
• Identify and train team members for growth and development.

• Matric (Grade 12) required; B.Com/NQF 7 advantageous .
• Minimum 5 years’ management experience.
• At least 3 years in fertilizer production/planning (advantageous).
• Strong knowledge of (blending) plant maintenance and SAP (advantageous).
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, forecasting, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, commercial, and communication abilities.

Our national client is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to join the Camperdown, Pietermaritzburg team.

1. Ensure safe operation of the plant is in place and met.
2. Monitor production environment.
3. Comply with and implement company HR policies.
4. Conduct production meetings.
5. Implement training.
6. Implement and monitor production quality control processes.
7. Comply to and implement company finance policies.
8. Contribute to production annual budget.
9. Compile daily production plan.

1. Production Management or related qualification.
2. Minimum 3-5 years experience in a similar position.
3. Feed mill or related industry experience preferred.
4. Proficient in MS Office.

Our client, a leading Chemical Manufacturing company based in Durban, is looking to fill the position of Plant Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Maximise efficiency of operations:

• Ensure safety, health and environment requirements are the number one priority on the plant and that the plant and procedures adhere to PSM policies.
• Management of the production department ensuring that it is running at optimal efficiency regarding resources and manpower, in order to safely meet the sales requirements of the operation.
• Management of production staff by implementing and tracking performance against KPI’s and driving a succession planning program to ensure that staff are continuously developed, and the plant is adequately covered at all levels.
• Lead the production team in relation to the implementation and tracking of continuous improvement objectives and LSS.
• Manage the maintenance, production and planning departments ensuring operational efficiencies are prioritised, KPI’s are implemented and tracked.
• Develop and maintain appropriate work relationships with your colleagues in SHE, logistics, technical, finance, sales and HR to ensure that the production objectives and company objectives are successfully implemented and achieved.
• Ensure training needs are addressed.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and motivational support to teams.
• Set, manage, and control departmental budgets within agreed parameters.
• Ensure activities meet with and integrate all organisational requirements for quality management, health and safety, legal stipulations, environmental policies, and general duty of care.
• Compiles, implements, and manages a project plan for improvement capex and projects.
• Required to work on standby.

• Ensure compliance to ISO 9001, ISO14001 and company safety standards.
• Appointed as the Incident Commander for the site.
• Implements and maintains LSS, PSM Policy and the 5’s principles.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Grade 12 Senior Certificate
• Degree or equivalent qualification in chemistry or engineering
• Advanced computer literacy - MS Office, ERP Sage System an advantage
• 10 years’ experience in a chemical manufacturing operation, of which 5 years’ experience should be in a Plant Manager role
• Extensive experience in PSM, LSS and project management

If you have not been contacted within two (2) weeks, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Company Description

HumanKind is one of South Africa's leading search, recruitment, and HR consultancy companies. With a Level 1 rating and 100% female ownership, HumanKind has over 80 years of combined experience in recruitment, executive search, and HR consultancy. Our high-touch approach is carefully matched to the culture, industry, and skills required by each client. HumanKind leverages a unique, futuristic approach to bring in the best skills and candidates, delivering innovative solutions in the ever-evolving world of recruitment in South Africa.

Role Description

This is a full-time role for a Plant Manager, located on-site in Johannesburg. The Plant Manager's day-to-day tasks include overseeing plant operations, managing production planning, and ensuring efficient manufacturing processes. The role requires close monitoring of plant performance, implementing process improvements, managing plant staff, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards, and coordinating with various departments to achieve production goals.

Qualifications

• Expertise in Plant Management, Plant Operations, and Operations Management
• Experience in Production Planning and Manufacturing Operations
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Knowledge of industry safety and quality standards
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field
• Relevant certifications or additional qualifications in plant or operations

Ref.-Nr.:

ZA00722

Schedule type:

Full Time

Contract Type:

Full Time

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Plant Manager will be responsible for all manufacturing and operational activities in the plants. This includes resource scheduling and optimization in order to supply product safely, on time at the required quality standard.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all daily activities and operations within assigned buildings and facilities.
• In collaboration with the Production Planning section, prepare and manage production schedules covering materials, components, facilities, labour, and equipment.
• Monitor production performance against the Master Production Schedule, report deviations, and implement risk mitigation actions.
• Escalate and resolve risks affecting safety, quality, or delivery commitments.
• Set and manage the operational overheads and labour budget / forecast.
• Control and monitor direct cost of manufacturing.
• Provide inputs and motivations for CAPEX budget allocations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, SHEQ systems, standards, and procedures.
• Recommend, motivate, and implement process and equipment changes via official modification and ECP processes.
• Lead or contribute to failure investigations and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure employees are trained, competent, and equipped for their tasks.
• Maintain discipline in line with company policies, practices, and procedures.
• Communicate and embed the company's vision, mission, and values in daily operations.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• Competitive compensation package with incentive bonus and pension fund
• Medical Schemes
• Stable employer background
• Opportunity to work on major projects within our Weapons and Ammunition Division
• Extensive Employee Assistance Program to support overall health and wellbeing
• Career development and progress opportunities
• Individual and diverse training opportunities and programs (Bursary Schemes)
• Subsidized canteen on site with themed days and multiple dietary options
• Innovative and dynamic working environment and culture
• Work as part of a team with real purpose in what we do
• Participation in (international) Rheinmetall activities and events

CONTACT DETAILS

• BSc / BEng in Chemical Engineering.
• Postgraduate Qualification, MSc Material Science, Polymer Science or Energetic Materials (Preferred)
• At least 5 years' experience in the field of Engineering/Operations/Plant Management with a minimum of 2 years within a leadership/Plant Management role.
• Knowledge of composite propellant chemistry and manufacturing will be advantageous
• Green Belt Six Sigma will be advantageous
• Strong problem-solving abilities, good judgement and a decision maker.
• Effective leadership and communication abilities, with proven capability to operate at senior management level.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and commitment to safety compliance
• Must be prepared to work irregular hours.
• Good interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Driven, confident, self-motivated and results orientated.
• Proficient computer skills –MS Office, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Project, SAP ERP.

To manage and coach team across functions in order to deliver world class operation excellence through world class practices. All activities, roles and responsibilities are aligned to the world class (manufacturing) philosophy, principles and practices

• Matric/ Grade 12 (Maths and Science)
• Bachelor of Sciences / Bachelor of Technology / Degree (In a Relevant Engineering Field)

• 6 – 10 Years Relevant Experience
• 3 – 5 Years People Management experience
• Previous experience as 16.2 appointee will be an advantage

Strategy:

• Setting up KPIs for the plant in line with business objectives
• Create clarity on goals and objectives
• Create team and ensure goal alignment
• Use visual management system to monitor and control KPIs

Feedback:

• Report on department performance to Snr Manager Operations
• Report on department performance to employees
• Perform quarterly management reviews
• Promote and facilitate an open and inclusive environment

Budget Control:

• Responsible for OPEX expenditure
• Initiate and promote cost reduction projects

Critical Decision Making:

• Making final decisions on escalated situations from superintendents (e.g. safety, quality, IR, HR)

Long term sustainable projects:

• Plan and initiate
• Implement and sustain ISO standards

Short term focus projects:

• Capex requirement planning
• Ensure corrective action plans are driven to fix systemic issues

Effective Resource Management:

• Communicate need for org chart and get approval for the budget year
• Ensure HR recruitment process is being followed
• Provide competency guidelines on key positions
• Review candidate CVs and interview

Liaise with marketing (sales):

• New product development
• Get marketing feedback on product performance
• Check that we are on target with regards to JIT production

Performance Management of Sups:

• Reviewing KPIs
• Discipline misconduct
• Coaching of good practice
• Rewarding excellent performance
• Reporting to Snr Manager Operations on business objectives
• Complete and follow up EDD with superintendents

Develop masterplan implementation and tracking of best practices:

• Setup masterplan and share in steering committee

Liaise with supporting services and plants:

• Visit senior managers to ensure alignment
• Visit supply and customer managers to ensure smooth operations

LMC:

• Champion change
• Monitor and control change and risks arising
• Remove obstacles or bottlenecks to ensure employees focussed/ perform function (e.g. tool, systems, etc.)

Legal Appointment:

• Legal appointment OHSA 16.2
• Ensure risks managed effectively
• Ensure business processes and procedures followed

Shopfloor interaction:

• Lead by example
• Coach employees
• Promote open door policy on any issues arising
• Listen for criticism
• Gemba Walks (VFL) to engage employees

Knowledge ;

Familiar / Competent in Microsoft Office

Core Behavioural Competencies :

• Decision making
• Teamwork
• Work standards
• Reliability
• Motivation of self and others
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Integrity and trust
• Communication skills
• Planning and organization
• Stress tolerance
• Initiative
• Building relationships

Functional / Technical Competency :

• Coaching and Mentoring
• Facilitation / Meetings
• Project Management
• Researching
• Effective Change Management
• Conflict Management
• Product Knowledge
• Root-cause analysis
• Excellent Customer Service

Cross-Functional Competency :

• Collaboration
• Functional integration (Integration with ACTS and plant process)

Leadership Competency :

• Drive for Results
• Motivating Others
• Strategic AgilityManaging Vision and Purpose
• Motivating Others
• Business Acumen (Will be an advantage)

Occupational Level: Professional