Overview
Plant Manager Jobs in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa at ExecutivePlacements.com
Title: Plant Manager
Company: ExecutivePlacements.com
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Recruiter:
SHARON NUROCK RECRUITMENT CC
Job Ref:
DUR003427/NA
Date posted:
Friday, March 6, 2026
Location:
Durban, South Africa
SUMMARY:
Our client, a national manufacturing company, currently seeks an experienced, target driven and hands-on Plant Manager to lead and manage the Business Unit to achieve the company objectives.
POSITION INFO:
The Person:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce or Science or equivalent.
- Minimum 5 years Senior Management experience in the Automotive industry.
- Chemical Engineering understanding would be of great advantage.
- Must have an understanding of an income statement, balance sheet and financial ratios.
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing Principals to ensure good management of the Process Engineering department.
- Good technical aptitude to ensure management of the Maintenance department.
- Demonstrated experience working in an OEM customer-driven environment.
The Job:
Report to the General Manager:
- Develop Plant medium to long term Manufacturing Strategy and Operational plans.
- Align Plant Manufacturing Strategy to the overall business strategy.
- Provide strategic and change leadership to the Manufacturing function and teams.
- Implement new equipment/technology/processes in accordance with the Manufacturing Strategic plan.
- Achieve/exceed the annual Manufacturing Operational plan in accordance with set targets.
- Approve production plans.
- Analyse production reports.
- Customer and supplier relations.
- Develop and update Manufacturing Policies, Procedures, Protocols, Work Instructions, Codes of Practice, etc.
Production Management:
- Establish best practices for Plant utilisation and efficiencies.
- Manage Plant projects.
- Analyse and interpret Production statistics/data in order to identify opportunities for improvements.
- Oversee the activities of all contractors in the Plant.
Project Management:
- Project management of run in/run out of models/business projects.
- Ensure plant readiness for implementation of new business project.
Continuous Improvements:
- Keep up to date with latest trends and developments in manufacturing technologies.
- Benchmark Plant processes against best practices.
- Monitor competitors’ activities and identify opportunities for improvements.
Quality Management System:
- Maintain IATF 16949 accreditation.
- Improve employee’s awareness within the department of quality targets and objectives.
- Achieve PPM targets.
SHE:
- Address workplace hazards and risks.
- Apply safety, health and environment practices and legal requirements when working on machines and equipment.
- Maintain ISO1 4001/ISO 4500 accreditation.
Financial Management:
- Provide input into the budget process.
- Monitor performance against budget (expense controls, variances, etc.).
- Initiate requests for Capex/disposal/transfers.
- Participate in the audit process.
- Adhere to financial policies and procedures.
- Protect company assets (working capital & fixed assets).
Staff Management:
- Manage individual, team and departmental performance to achieve organisational objectives.
- Manage labour stability and complement in line with budget.
- Participate in the implementation and utilisation of equity related processes.
- Determine the training needs of the department.
- Coach and counsel staff to ensure improved performance levels.
- Ensure discipline is maintained in department (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.).
- Resolve grievances and disputes.