Manufacturing Manager | Cape TownManufacturing | Full-time | On-site Our client is an established manufacturing and distribution business supplying a wide range of products to major South African retailers. Operating within a complex, multi-stage production environment, the business requires strong operational leadership to improve flow, increase throughput, and drive consistent performance across the factory. They are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Manager to take ownership of end-to-end production operations. This role is suited to a senior, process-driven individual who can bring structure, improve workflow, and build a disciplined, high-performing shop floor.
Key Responsibilities- Translate demand into structured weekly and daily production plans.
- Manage batch sizing, sequencing, and production flow across departments.
- Control WIP between processes to reduce bottlenecks and downtime.
- Establish clear production priorities and expediting rules.
- Drive daily production cadence (plan vs. actual, constraints, recovery actions).
- Implement practical systems to manage production and track KPIs.
- Introduce visual management and structured shop-floor routines.
- Improve visibility, accountability, and performance tracking.
- Lead production supervisors and teams across multiple departments.
- Build a culture of accountability, discipline, and performance.
- Drive training, cross-skilling, and capability development.
- Identify and resolve bottlenecks to improve throughput.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives (waste, scrap, rework, overtime).
- Improve workflow stability, changeovers, and material utilisation.
- Embed practical Lean principles on the shop floor.
- Align production with procurement, sales, and customer delivery requirements.
- Work with engineering on tooling, fixtures, and process improvements.
- Support equipment reliability and preventative maintenance practices.
- Ensure fast response to breakdowns, particularly on constraint processes.
Requirements- Proven experience in a senior production or manufacturing management role
- Strong background in multi-stage manufacturing (fabrication, processing, finishing)
- Demonstrated experience managing WIP, bottlenecks, and production flow
- Solid exposure to Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Strong leadership experience managing supervisors and production teams
- Hands-on, structured, and highly process-driven approach
To apply, please send your CV to
natasha@personastaff.co.za Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive feedback within 48 hours, please accept your application as unsuccessful.
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