780 Production jobs in South Africa

About a Popular Bunch: We're a bold, creative experiential marketing agency that brings big ideas to life through flawless execution. With our fully integrated in-house capabilities - from creative design to fabrication to national operations - we deliver unforgettable brand experiences for major FMCG and liquor brands across South Africa.

The opportunity: We're looking for an eager, hands-on individual to join our production team as a Production Coordinator. This is a growth role where you'll work directly under our shop fit and production manager, learning every aspect of our operation while providing crucial support. We're not just looking for experience - we want someone with the right attitude who we can shape into the aPB way of doing things.

What you'll do:

Day-to-day support

• Assist the production manager in coordinating daily workshop activities
• Help manage production schedules and track project progress in CHASE
• Be the communication bridge between different production departments
• Support quality control checks at various production stages
• Step in to lead production meetings when the production manager is unavailable

Learning and development

• Shadow the production manager to understand all aspects of production management
• Learn our systems, processes, and the aPB standard of excellence
• Develop relationships with our craftsmen - understanding woodwork, steelwork, painting, and electrical assembly
• Gain experience in reading technical drawings and BOMs from our CAD team
• Understand how creative concepts transform into physical reality

Project coordination

• Track material orders and deliveries
• Maintain production documentation and job files
• Coordinate between creative, operations, and production teams
• Assist with production briefings and take detailed notes
• Help prepare areas for client walkthroughs

Team support

• Be a positive presence on the workshop floor
• Help maintain team morale and our 'we're in this together' culture
• Assist with basic training and onboarding of new production staff
• Support the team during high-pressure periods

Growing into the role

• Gradually take ownership of smaller projects
• Learn to provide accurate time estimates and identify potential challenges
• Develop vendor relationships under guidance
• Build confidence to make production decisions independently

REQUIREMENTS

Essential qualities:

• Hungry to learn and grow - this is a development opportunity
• Natural problem-solver who thinks on their feet
• Strong communication skills - comfortable talking to everyone from workshop staff to executives
• Detail-oriented with good organisational skills
• Able to handle pressure and tight deadlines with a positive attitude
• Basic computer skills (Excel, email) with willingness to learn our systems

Experience we'd value:

• 2-3 years in any production, manufacturing, or workshop environment
• Exposure to project coordination or admin in a technical field
• Any experience in events, exhibitions, or retail fabrication
• Understanding of at least one production discipline (wood, metal, paint, electrical)

The perfect fit would:

• Be excited about learning the business from the ground up
• Show initiative without being asked
• Have a 'no job too small' mentality
• Want to build a career in production management
• Thrive in our fast-paced, dynamic environment

What we offer:

• Real career development - we'll invest in shaping you into a future production leader
• Mentorship from experienced managers across all departments
• Hands-on learning in a variety of production techniques
• Exposure to major brand projects and campaigns
• The chance to grow with a company that values loyalty and hustle
• A supportive team environment where questions are encouraged

Our promise: We're not looking for a finished product - we want someone we can mould into the aPB way. If you show commitment, curiosity, and drive, we'll teach you everything else. This role is designed to develop into a senior position as you grow with us.

Culture fit: We work hard and take pride in what we build. We support each other through challenging projects. We own our mistakes and learn from them. If you're ready to get your hands dirty, stay late when needed, and celebrate wins as a team, you'll fit right in.

Only candidates currently residing in the Johannesburg area will be considered.

Ready to start building your career with a Popular Bunch? Send us your CV and a brief note about why you're excited about this opportunity.

If you haven't heard from us within seven days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

The factory managers responsibilities include scheduling building and equipment maintenance as needed, monitoring the performance of factory staff, and ensuring that all production orders are completed in a timely manner. This position is responsible for enforcing compliance with health and safety regulations to prevent accidents and injuries.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Job-related activities include, but are not limited to :

• Developing and implementing innovative strategies to streamline factory operations.
• Screening, recruiting, and training new factory workers.
• Collaborating with quality control managers to establish and execute quality control processes.
• Ensuring that factory machinery is in good working order.
• Analyzing production data to identify and resolve any production issues.
• Preparing production reports and submitting them to key decision-makers.
• Regularly inspecting finished products to determine whether they meet established quality standards.
• Motivating factory workers to continually achieve factory targets.
• Ensure personal productivity and performance meets required standards.
• Plan, draw up and execute a production schedule
• Determine and order the resources that are required and ensure stock levels remain adequate
• Monitor productivity rates and product standards, and implement a quality control programme
• Ensure customer orders are completed on time and to budget, and that quality standards and targets are met
• Work with managers to implement the companys policies and goals
• Review worker performance and identify training needs
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve problems
• Ad hoc duties, as required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS :

• This position is based in an industrial factory with automated machinery.
• For this position, you must be medically fit and mobile.

REQUIREMENTS

The requirements and qualifications for this position include :

• National Diploma / Degree in Engineering, preferred, or Qualified Millwright with certified trade test.
• Proven experience in a managerial or supervisory role within a factory.
• Certification in production and inventory management, as well as quality control, is advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of industry-specific factory equipment.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to multitask.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong management and leadership skills.
• Ability to lead diverse teams, with experience in a unionised environment.
• Ability to be a team player
• A proactive person with the ability to drive goals and targets.
• Be willing to work overtime when required
• Honest and Reliable
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain personal control.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to problem-solving.

Production Manager • germiston, Gauteng, South Africa

A well-established manufacturing company within the food industry is seeking an experienced and qualified Production Manager to join their team in Pietermaritzburg!

Requirements:

1. BTech / Diploma in Engineering / Operations / Production Management
2. HCCP, ISO, FSSC knowledge
3. Strong people management and leadership skills
4. 5 - 10 years’ experience within FMCG related factories

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

A leading force in the steel fabrication industry, specializing in high-quality Sheet Metal products based in Gauteng, is looking for an experienced Production Manager.

The Production Manager will oversee our Sheet Metal production operations, ensuring that projects are completed to the highest standards, within budget, and on schedule. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in boiler making, with proven experience in production planning, process optimization, and people management within the steel fabrication sector.

1. Lead the production team in the fabrication of Sheet Metal products, ensuring adherence to engineering specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements.
2. Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer delivery targets while maximizing resource efficiency.
3. Coordinate with the engineering department to troubleshoot fabrication issues and improve product quality.
4. Utilize lean manufacturing principles to drive continuous improvement in all areas of production.
5. Manage workforce planning, including recruitment, training, and development of shop floor personnel.
6. Oversee maintenance of equipment and machinery to ensure optimal performance.
7. Monitor production KPIs and generate reports on productivity, quality, and efficiency.
8. Implement and enforce strict safety regulations and company policies among staff.
9. Collaborate with other departments to support overall company objectives and projects.

Proven experience as a Boilermaker or in a similar role within the steel fabrication industry.

• Strong background in production planning and process optimization.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a focus on people management and team development.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and quality control processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with computer software, including production management and CAD software.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this position is to execute daily production schedules/plan for all production units, capacity planning, procurement planning, KPI reporting, measure adherence to processes, ensure master data is updated daily, monitor variances in forecasts daily. The Production Planner will also need to communicate all the above to the relevant stakeholders and when required.

• Strategic Planning
• Participate and influence department strategy.
• Monitor and track against the plan.
• Develop recommendations and subsequent action plans to enable the delivery of the departmental strategy.
• Day to day interaction with team members to deliver strategy.
• Build and develop effective relationships with relevant stakeholders to highlight and determine best solution to overcome challenges to continuously improve.
• Contribute to delivering strategic plans with suppliers by liaising regularly on trend changes and tactical forecasting.
• Proactive and regular communication with key stakeholders.
• Conduct stock build plans considering capacity raw materials supply etc.

• Operational Planning
• Understand and optimise supply chain and systems.
• Understand internal and external factors which impact on demand and ensure these are reflected in forecasts.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholder to maximise efficiencies.
• Identify challenges, trends and opportunities.
• Maintain Data and Systems.
• Collate Information and Assumptions.
• Reach Consensus through Alignment.
• Share and Publish the Plans.
• Track and Manage Plans.
• Issuing daily plans/schedules for all production units.
• Resource Shift/ Labor planning.

• Procurement
• Supplier Management.
• Ensure procurement compliance.
• Data Analysis & Reporting.

• Continuous Improvement
• Analysis of historical and current performance.
• Understand market / product trends as well as department focus that could impact demand.
• Implement tactical plans to support business decision making (6-18 month focus on capacity, Staffing etc.).
• Implementation and review against long term tactical plans.
• Planning initiatives / Innovation to improve planning.

• BEng Industrial or BCom in Supply Chain or relevant BCom Degree
• 1 - 2 years operational supply chain experience is required
• Experience in Production Planning & Barnton will be beneficial
• FMCG experience will be advantageous
• Strong Mathematical & Analytical skills
• Strategic & Operational Planning
• Problem-solving & Data Analysis

Monday to Friday from 06h00 – 16h00

Company description

Watchmaker Genomics is an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado U.S. of America with a local branch office in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity and scientific rigor. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine.

Position Description

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Production Manager based in Cape Town, South Africa. This position reports to the Vice President of Operations and will be responsible for building and managing the Production Department in Cape Town. This individual will be accountable for creating departmental goals, developing and adhering to departmental budgets and managing daily departmental activities.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to grow and develop as a Production leader.

Responsibilities

1. Maintain compliance with QA and ISO 13485 requirements
2. Motivate, support and provide guidance to production staff
3. Support HR in hiring production operators to support manufacturing activities in Cape Town
4. Ensure all safety and health standards are met
5. Communicate regularly with upper management regarding problems or issues impacting production
6. Evaluate machine resources to ensure continued production and minimal downtime
7. Establish a balance between increased productivity and reduced costs of manufacturing operations
8. Set productivity goals for manufacturing teams
9. Develop workflow policies and procedures that improve efficiency without compromising safety or quality
10. Ensure adequate scheduling of staff
11. Lead the execution of manufacturing strategies that supports the department goals for growth
12. Establish departmental goals to support robust manufacturing processes and continuous process improvement
13. Track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure and support quality objectives, supply chain, and department goals
14. Assist in developing the manufacturing schedule and ensure adherence to the manufacturing schedule by actively collaborating with other manufacturing areas and promoting cross-functionality where needed and/or where practical
15. Actively manage inventory requirements to ensure execution of the manufacturing schedule
16. Respond to and escalate operational, process, equipment and maintenance problems to the VP of Operations to prevent operational upsets
17. Participate in financial management of the Production Formulation & Fill/Finish Department, through development and monitoring of departmental budgets and inventory control
18. Participate in the final stages of process development, formalization of work instructions, and transfer to the Production Team
19. Work with QA and process development to update current work instructions and implement their use
20. Drive manufacturing troubleshooting and escalate issues to the appropriate Subject Matter Expert (SME) when needed
21. Verify accuracy of manufacturing records upon completion
22. Possess proficient technical understanding of manufacturing methods and ability to carry-out product manufacturing as needed
23. Promote a culture of high performance, execution, and quality
24. Develop goals and objectives for each team member aligned with department goals and KPIs, onboarding and training of new employees, day plans, adherence to training logs, and ensuring team’s adherence to ISO operational standards established by the company
25. Support the career development of direct reports through active mentorship
26. Additional responsibilities as assigned

The candidate should have at minimum a BS in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline (MS/MBA preferred), with at least three years of relevant industry experience, including manufacturing, quality control, or project management. Broad technical knowledge of life science reagents, enzyme production, or genomics is a plus.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

1. Exceptional leadership and cross-functional team-building skills
2. Skilled at building and managing schedules, timelines, and resource allocation
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
4. Ability to read, write, and edit technical documents

Education

An undergraduate degree / Bachelors Degree in a relevant life science discipline is required; an advanced degree (MS/MBA) preferred.

Minimum of (3+) years in biotech or related industry, including positions with broad functional scope across manufacturing, quality, and project management.

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format:

1. Letter of motivation
2. Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.

Reference: NES -SV-1

Dream Job Alert: Join a Cutting-Edge Tech Team as a Production Engineer Today!

My client, specializing in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electronic and embedded solutions, as well as customized digital products, is actively seeking a Production Engineer to join their team. If you possess electronic expertise and hold a BEng degree, this opportunity is tailored for you.

• BEng Electronic/Industrial/Software Engineering

• 5 years’ experience in the Electronic industry
• Knowledge of Process-FMEA
• Knowledge of FRBs and FRACAS reports
• Oversee technical aspects of the production facility and manufacturing orders
• Planning, budgeting, design, commissioning, design and management
• Issue reporting tracking and resolution
• Risk management – process FMEA

The candidate will be highly motivated, with strong supervisory, leadership and managerial skills.

The candidate will ensure products manufactured and refurbished at the Company are produced on time, in budget and to the highest quality standards.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Manage Production resources
• Material and resource planning
• Manage and improve manufacturing processes in line with design standards
• Review and apply best practices
• Implement and maintain ISO 9001 systems as per guidelines
• Implement and maintain Quality Control Plan
• Manage HSE
• Review production layouts and improve efficiency where required
• Produce production programmes in line with customer requirements
• Manage and maintain raw material stock levels
• Continuous review of systems, processes and resources to improve performance
• Effective cost management to ensure production of goods aligns with budgeted costs
• Provide regular feedback to management team on progress, challenges and solutions
• Manage shopfloor Disciplinary process

Personal Attributes:

• Managerial skills & the ability to motivate your subordinates
• Ability to work under pressure
• Problem Solving
• Proactively accept responsibility

Education:

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• N6, B(Tech) Industrial Engineering or National Diploma in Production Management would be an advantage
• PMI Diploma

Skills:

• Proficient in MS Office
• ISO 9001
• Proficient in CAD would be an advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of Managerial experience
• Experience in Manufacturing non-negotiable

A specialist warehouse and distribution company has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, customer service-oriented Production Manager in the Western Cape.

1. Ensuring that the handover between shift managers is consistent and done correctly.
2. Managing the reporting of the shift managers, checking that the correct reports are completed and the updates are accurate.
3. Implementation of new processes to ensure the Distribution Centre operates more efficiently.
4. Ensuring discipline is enforced and maintained, whether with the supervisors or TES staff.
5. Ensuring all procedures are in place, trained, understood, and implemented daily.
6. Conducting floor walks with the supervisors to ensure Standard Operating Procedures are followed.
7. Managing the Convenience supervisor and picking performance, including swiping discipline of the staff.
8. Briefing all Supervisors on daily targets and setting hourly goals to ensure effective production efficiency.
9. Ensuring that Key Performance Indicators are set, managed, and maintained across all shifts.
10. Ensuring consistency between all shifts and supervisors regarding housekeeping standards, training standards, timekeeping, and reporting updates to management.
11. Ensuring stock from the receiving floor is put away within the set time frame (Dock to stock).
12. Monitoring late picks, short picks, and markouts.
13. Ensuring that batch refills are done timely.

1. Development and review of detailed Standard Operating Procedures. Ensuring manuals and SOPs are updated regularly.
2. Engaging with Operations manager, Shift Managers, Supervisors, and TES Managers.
3. Addressing challenges ACMS compliance may experience regarding SOPs not being adhered to by Managers.
4. Ensuring consistency is maintained between all shifts, supervisors, and managers.

1. Responsible for establishing a positive work environment that results in a committed, motivated, and productive business unit.
2. Daily management and coaching of direct reports.
3. Ensuring adherence to all HR policies, processes, and SOPs.
4. Ensuring succession planning is in place for all supervisors and managers.
5. Ensuring team members are appropriately trained and developed to fulfil their roles and drive a learning culture in the business unit.

The job entails reporting directly to the Operations Manager. The working temperature on the DC floor ranges from 1°C to -28°C. Full medicals are required yearly. Manage multi-shifted production and convenience teams and may be required to work outside normal working hours. Official working hours for this position are 44 hours per week (12-hour shifts), excluding overtime. The DC is run on a 3-shift system from Sunday to Friday as per shift roster.

The Production Manager is responsible for ensuring that the operation is performing at their maximum productivity level within the Distribution Centre.

• Matric / NQF level 4 English
• 4 - 5 years’ experience in Logistics / Distribution / Retail Store/Facilitator
• Minimum 3 years supervisory experience
• Computer literate (MS Office)
• Interpersonal skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Strong decision-making skills
• Organized, efficient, and task-driven
• Ability to multi-task
• Conflict management
• Excellent IR experience