36 Production Manager jobs in Durban

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for the smooth functioning of production processes in accordance with production plan, cost, quality, and quantity specifications

Key Performance Areas (duties & Responsibilities)

• Drawing up production schedules, ensuring that production is cost effective
• Evaluate the production process and make changes to improve the quality efficiencies and speed of production
• Proper allocation of human resources and of material resources needed, in line with the budget, and placing orders where necessary
• Ensure & maintain high overall equipment efficiency (OEE)
• Ensure and maintain high mechanical and quality yield
• Daily production monitoring and reporting
• Monitoring product standards and implementing quality-control programs
• Working with Managers to implement the company's policies and goals
• Ensuing that health and safety guidelines are followed
• Work closely with maintenance to identify machine defects and plans to repair
• Supervising and motivating a team of workers
• Reviewing the performance of subordinates
• Maintain customer lead times
• Maintain stock levels for consumables and spares
  
  

• Must have a Matric / Grade 12 qualification
• Technical/Engineering qualification is preferred
• Other qualifications will be considered based on experience in manufacturing
  
  

• Minimum 10 years Production Management
• Industrial Relations experience essential
• Computer experience in MS office suite and e-mail
• Must have sound people management experience
  
  

• Good communication skills
• Working knowledge of either World Class Manufacturing, TPM/TQM or Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Organizing, planning, decision making and problem-solving skills essential
• Process control and the improvement thereof
• Leadership skills
• Must have knowledge of the OHS Act requirements
• Financial, Budgeting and Stock Management beneficial
  
  

• Adhere to principles and values
• Apply good governance principles
• Deal effectively with change
  
  

• Production Management Experience +10years
• Industrial Relations
• Lean Manufacturing
• OEE
• Optimise Production
• Schedule Production
• TPM/TQM
  
  

• More than 10 years
  
  

• Degree

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

What You Will Do

The main purpose of the role is to lead the Production department at our plant in Southgate Industrial Park, Durban. You are accountable for the assembly and delivery of Volvo Trucks in our Final assembly. Lead by vision, drive change and be a positive and inspirational leader. We are built by people, and therefore need you to grow people and culture.

Reporting: This position reports to the Plant Director.

Job Objectives

• To ensure Safety, Quality, Cost Delivery, People (SQCDEP) targets are achieved and in line with Plant objectives.
• Develop and support your direct reports and teams through a people-oriented and supportive leadership.
• Secure effective competence development & People development structure.
• Secure an inclusive workplace that will serve as a basis for high performing teams in line with the Volvo Values.
• Foster and secure a continuous improvement culture, where problems are opportunities to improve.
• To ensure that the Operations organization is well resourced, trained and equipped to deliver the desired level of output.
• To ensure effective communication systems across the organization.
• To enact and implement the organization’s medium to long-term strategies.
• To develop, build and maintain functional relationships with all key and relevant stakeholders within and outside the organization.
• To be a strong ambassador for Health & Safety and Quality, manage risk aspects within the assembly and take necessary actions to mitigate risks.
• To ensure compliance with all applicable legislative acts and regulations within the assembly.
• To develop a functional and mutually beneficial relationship with organized labor/union representatives (Numsa).
• Represent the factory & participate actively in related international manufacturing networks.

Who are you?

Do you dream big? We do too, and we are excited to grow together. In this role, you will bring:

Qualifications & Job Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Operations/Production Management.
• 10 years of working experience within an Automotive/Manufacturing Environment.
• Experience in senior leadership & managerial roles within the automotive industry.

Key Competencies

• Good knowledge & experience from a Production/Automotive industry.
• Proven leadership skills / Leading Leaders.
• Positive attitude, goal oriented, flexible and self-driven.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Structured & good analytical skills.
• Problem-solving capability and deviation handling skills.
• Experience in implementing lean principles and process orientation.
• Experience with South African industrial relations including NBF agreement and LRA.
• Experience in HR processes and negotiation skills.
• Business acumen and ability to cooperate across levels and roles.
• Team player with strong interpersonal & networking skills.
• Proven MS Office skills.

Shortlisted candidates must complete and sign personal verification permission, consent, and indemnity declarations, including references, criminal, credit, qualification, vetting, and other necessary checks.

Volvo Group Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people with disabilities to apply.

Application Closing Date: 4 September 2025.

We do not accept applications via mail to protect your data privacy.

Who We Are And What We Believe In

We are committed to shaping the future of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Joining Volvo Group offers opportunities to work with some of the brightest minds in the field to leave a positive societal impact. Our culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment unites nearly 100,000 employees worldwide.

Group Trucks Operations encompasses all manufacturing of Volvo, Renault, and Mack trucks, engines, and transmissions, along with global spare parts distribution and logistics. With 30,000 employees across 30 plants and 50 distribution centers globally, we offer international careers in a state-of-the-art environment focused on continuous improvement. We are at the forefront of innovation to meet global challenges—join us in making a difference.

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

The main purpose of the role is to lead the Production department at our plant in Southgate Industrial Park, Durban. You are accountable for the assembly and delivery of Volvo Trucks in our Final assembly. Lead by vision, drive change and be a positive and inspirational leader. We are built by people, and therefore need you to grow people and culture.

Reporting: This position reports to the Plant Director.

• Ensure Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQCDEP) targets are achieved and aligned with plant objectives.
• Develop and support your direct reports and teams through people-oriented and supportive leadership.
• Secure effective competence and people development structures.
• Foster an inclusive workplace to build high-performing teams aligned with Volvo Values.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, viewing problems as opportunities to improve.
• Ensure the Operations organization is well resourced, trained, and equipped to meet output targets.
• Implement effective communication systems across the organization.
• Enact and implement medium to long-term organizational strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders inside and outside the organization.
• Be a strong ambassador for Health & Safety and Quality, managing risks within assembly processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative acts.
• Develop mutually beneficial relationships with organized labor/union representatives (Numsa).
• Represent the factory and participate in international manufacturing networks.

Do you dream big? We do too, and we are excited to grow together. In this role, you will bring:

• Degree or Diploma in Operations/Production Management.
• 10 years of experience in an Automotive/Manufacturing Environment.
• Experience in senior leadership and managerial roles within the automotive industry.

• Good knowledge and experience in Production/Automotive industry.
• Proven leadership skills, including leading leaders.
• Positive attitude, goal-oriented, flexible, and self-driven.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Structured thinking and analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills and deviation handling.
• Experience implementing lean principles and process orientation.
• Knowledge of South African industrial relations, including NBF agreements and LRA.
• Experience in HR processes and negotiation skills.
• Business acumen and ability to collaborate across various levels and roles.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and networking skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office.

Shortlisted candidates must complete and sign personal verification, consent, and indemnity declarations for reference checks, criminal records, credit checks, qualification verification, vetting, and other necessary assessments.

Volvo Group Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people with disabilities to apply.

Application Closing Date: 4 September 2025.

We do not accept applications via email to protect your data privacy.

We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Our mission offers numerous career opportunities across our leading brands and entities.

Joining Volvo Group means working with some of the most talented and innovative minds in our field, striving to leave society in a better state for future generations. We are passionate and thrive on teamwork, with nearly 100,000 people worldwide united by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Our operations include manufacturing Volvo, Renault, and Mack trucks, engines, and transmissions. We manage global spare parts distribution and optimize logistics and supply chains for all brands. With 30,000 employees across 30 plants and 50 distribution centers globally, we offer international career opportunities in a state-of-the-art industrial environment committed to continuous improvement. As the world faces significant challenges, we stand at the forefront of innovation and are ready to rise to the challenge. Would you like to join us?

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

The main purpose of the role is to lead the Production department at our plant in Southgate Industrial Park, Durban. You are accountable for the assembly and delivery of Volvo Trucks in our Final assembly. Lead by vision, drive change and be a positive and inspirational leader. We are built by people, and therefore need you to grow people and culture.

Reporting: This position reports to the Plant Director.

Job Objectives:

• To ensure Safety, Quality, Cost Delivery, People (SQCDEP) targets are achieved and in line with Plant objectives.
• Develop and support your direct reports and teams through a people-oriented and supportive leadership.
• Secure an inclusive workplace that will serve as the basis for high-performing teams in line with the Volvo Values.
• Foster and secure a continuous improvement culture, where problems are opportunities to improve.
• Ensure that the Operations organization is well resourced, trained and equipped to deliver the desired level of output.
• Ensure effective communication systems are in place across the organization.
• Implement and enact the organization’s medium to long-term strategies.
• Develop, build, and maintain functional relationships with all key stakeholders within and outside the organization.
• Be a strong ambassador for Health & Safety and Quality, manage risks within the assembly, and take necessary actions to mitigate risks.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislative acts and regulations within the assembly.
• Develop mutually beneficial relationships with organized labor/union representatives (Numsa).
• Represent the factory and participate actively in related international manufacturing networks.

Do you dream big? We do too, and we are excited to grow together. In this role, you will bring:

Qualifications & Job Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Operations/Production Management.
• 10 years of experience in an Automotive/Manufacturing Environment.
• Experience in senior leadership and managerial roles within the automotive industry.
• Good knowledge and experience from a Production/Automotive industry.
• Proven leadership skills / Leading Leaders.
• Positive attitude, goal-oriented, flexible, and self-driven.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Structured and analytical skills.
• Problem-solving and deviation handling skills.
• Experience in lean principles and process orientation.
• Experience with South African industrial relations, including NBF agreement and LRA.
• Experience in HR processes and negotiation skills.
• Business acumen and ability to cooperate across various levels and roles.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills.

Shortlisted candidates must complete and sign personal verification permissions, consent, and indemnity declarations for reference, criminal, credit, qualification, vetting processes, and other necessary checks.

Volvo Group Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is an affirmative action, equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage people with disabilities to apply.

Application Closing Date: 4 September 2025.

We value your data privacy and do not accept applications via mail.

Who we are and what we believe in

We are committed to shaping the future of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities across our leading brands and entities.

Applying for this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group . Every day, you will work with some of the most talented and innovative minds in our field to leave society in better shape for future generations. We are passionate about our work and thrive on teamwork. Our culture is built on care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Group Trucks Operations encompasses all manufacturing of Volvo, Renault, and Mack trucks, as well as engines and transmissions. We manage global spare parts distribution and optimize logistics and supply chains for all brands. With 30,000 employees across 30 plants and 50 distribution centers worldwide, we offer international career opportunities in a state-of-the-art industrial environment focused on continuous improvement. As the planet faces significant challenges, we stand at the forefront of innovation, ready to rise to the challenge. Would you like to join us?

Every day, Volvo Group products and services ensure that people have food on the table, children arrive safely at school, and roads and buildings are constructed. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving the transition to sustainable and safe transport, mobility, and infrastructure solutions toward a net-zero society.

Joining Volvo Group means working with some of the world's most iconic brands and being part of a global, leading industrial company harnessing automated driving, electromobility, and connectivity.

Our people are passionate, aim for high performance, and thrive on teamwork and learning. Life at Volvo is supported by a culture of care, respect, and mutual support.

If you aspire to grow and make an impact, join us on our journey to create a better, more resilient society for future generations.

Duroplastic Technologies (Pty) Ltd is recruiting for a suitably skilled and experienced Production Manager to oversee and manage the Production portfolio for the company directly to the Commercial Director. The Manufacturing Production Manager plays a vital role within the manufacturing industry, overseeing daily operations in production plants.

Duroplastic is a well-established South African company supplying composite materials to trade and industry as a major supplier of a wide range of materials and products in the Sub-Saharan African region with 5 branches nationwide including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and George.

• Assessing and improving operational systems, processes, and policies. Manage and lead Production / warehouse performance and ensure quality standards.
• Maintain high levels of accuracy in daily department operations. Examining the quality of raw materials that are used in production, as well as finished products.
• Monitoring and evaluating internal production processes and determining areas of improvement.
• Maintain receiving, warehousing, and distribution operations by initiating, coordinating, and enforcing program, operational, and personnel policies and procedures. Ensure conformance of all products received from suppliers.
• Developing and Implementing Production Plans: create and execute production planning based on business and market demands.
• Resource Management: Manage human and material resources to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Supervising Staff: coordinating and supervising staff activities, reviewing performance, and taking corrective actions as needed.
• Quality Control: Developing quality control processes. Rejecting products that fail quality standards.
• Continuous batch testing of manufactured products. Control, maintain and draft quality standards and procedures, as well as problem-solving and quality assurance tasks for all manufacturing processes. Improving production efficiency and managing waste.
• Oversee all product development procedures to identify deviations from quality standards.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure adherence to safety, health, and environmental standards within the facility.
• Drive continuous improvement activity in production flow, material movement, quality, safety, and delivery.
• Reporting and Maintenance: Preparing monthly production reports and overseeing equipment maintenance and repair.
• Stakeholder Relations: Maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including Sales team, suppliers, and customers.

• Matric
• 5+ years Production Management experience
• Financial and business acumen is a plus
• Fully computer literate, with above-average mathematical ability

Preference will be given to applicants with Thermoset, blending, paint, cementitious products or coatings background.

Overview

Our Client within the Automotive Industry is seeking a Production Manager to join their team. The successful incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic guidance to all production operations, lead, organise, monitor and control all production operations and processes to achieve production and organisational targets.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12/Matric
• Degree/Diploma in the field of Production/Operations Management or Industrial Engineering Science or equivalent NQF level 6 qualification
• Minimum 5 Years in Automotive/Manufacturing experience
• Minimum 5 Years in similar role

Job Responsibilities

Strategy

• Develop the plant medium to long term manufacturing strategy
• Assist with developing operational strategy.
• Align plant Manufacturing Strategy to the overall business strategy
• Provide Strategic and Change Leadership to the Manufacturing Function and Teams
• Achieve/exceed the annual Manufacturing Operational Plan in accordance to set goals, targets and criteria

Production Planning

• Plan, schedule and monitor production (Sales forecasts, requirements, stock levels, maintenance requirements, change overs, etc.)
• Schedule and arrange maintenance and repairs for manufacturing operations
• Oversee production planning
• Approve Production Plans
• Analyse and interpret Production statistics/data in order to identify opportunities for improvements

Production Management

• Deliver operational results in accordance with plant plans and budgets
• Ensure appropriate standards are established for plant utilisation and efficiency, and that performance is constantly monitored against these standards
• Meet all production & operational deadlines & implement continuous improvement savings
• Optimise the manufacturing processes
• Ensure the optimal and efficient use of plant and production resources
• Manage plant improvement projects
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing related problems and sub-standard performance
• Establish best practices for plant utilisation and efficiencies
• Oversee the activities of production contractors in the plant

Raw Materials

• Monitor the level of production material to ensure sufficient material to support production
• Oversee the monthly stock takes and ensures that records are correctly entered

Maintenance

• Implement Planned Maintenance in line with the Planned Maintenance schedule, as agreed

Continuous Improvement

• Keep up to date with latest production trends and developments
• Benchmark manufacturing processes and technology against best practices
• Continually measure, monitor and provide improvement plans for improving business systems efficiency and cost reduction programs

Reporting & people management

• Compile Production Reports
• Participate, present & report on all Production issues at HOD meetings
• Monitor the achievement of daily production targets
• Manage individual, team and departmental performance to achieve organisational objectives
• Manage labour stability and complement in line with budget, including managing production headcount
• Participate in the implementation and utilisation of equity related processes, as required
• Plan, organise and monitor production work in plant and within own areas of responsibility
• Determine the training needs of the Department
• Manage workforce discipline and sub-standard performance
• Coach and counsel people to ensure improved performance levels
• Ensure discipline is maintained in department (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.)
• Resolve grievances and disputes
• Partake in SACO hours clearances, and exceptions approval process as per Payroll requirements and meeting set deadlines for payroll submission

SHE

• Conduct continuous Risk Assessments in the workplace
• Conduct Planned Task Observations in the workplace
• Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace
• Address workplace hazards and risks
• Apply safety, health and environment practices and legal requirements when working on machines and equipment

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• 10 + years of relevant experience in construction project management, with a track record of successfully delivering projects on time
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, building codes and safety regulations in the South African context.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical documents
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage project teams including subcontractors

Duties:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee production activities to ensure optimal efficiency and resource utilization.
• Develop and implement production schedules aligned with project timelines and deliverables.
• Monitor daily operations to ensure adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for improvement to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to resolve technical and production-related challenges.
• Maintain accurate records of production activities, including resource usage, outputs, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with South African construction standards and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance to production teams, ensuring effective use of tools and equipment.
• Monitor and manage material and equipment inventory to avoid delays.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on production progress and challenges to project stakeholders.