Manufacturing Manager

Are you the person who makes the floor run?

We're looking for a hands-on, accountable Manufacturing Manager to take ownership of our production floor in Stellenbosch. This is not a clipboard-and-meeting role. You'll be the primary point of accountability in the manufacturing environment, leading a team of technicians, owning our ISO9001 Quality Management System, and making sure we hit our targets safely, on time, and to spec every day.

If you thrive in a structured manufacturing environment, hold yourself and your team to high standards, and know how to drive output without compromising quality or safety, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Production & Operations

• Plan and coordinate daily production schedules
• Adjust task allocation when priorities shift to keep throughput on track.
• Monitor output, equipment status, and material usage against plan, and take first-line corrective action when things don't go to plan.
• Partner with the Support team to schedule planned maintenance and minimise unplanned downtime.
• Ensure build instructions and configuration records are accurate and up to date.

Quality Management (ISO9001)

• Own and maintain the ISO9001 Quality Management System, including documentation, procedures, records, and document control.
• Prepare for and support internal and external audits; drive corrective actions to closure within agreed timeframes.
• Investigate non-conformances and implement CAPAs; ensure product traceability and inspection records are maintained.

Logistics & Inventory

• Manage inventory levels for raw materials, components, and finished goods; maintain stock accuracy and reduce discrepancies.
• Coordinate procurement requirements with purchasing to ensure materials are available when production needs them.
• Oversee warehouse operations, stock takes, and product dispatch with internal and external logistics partners.

People & Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and coordinate a team of 3-6 Manufacturing Technicians, assigning daily tasks and holding the team to output and quality standards.
• Identify training gaps and partner with HR and the Operations Manager to build team capability.
• Manage attendance, time records, and leave; handle performance and conduct matters through structured processes in line with the LRA Code of Good Practice.

Safety & Compliance

• Take full accountability for safety on the manufacturing floor in line with OHS Act Section 8 duties.
• Ensure all team members understand and fulfil their Section 14 obligations; enforce PPE and safety protocols without exception.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses; ensure notifiable incidents are reported to the Department of Employment and Labour within OHS Act Section 24 timeframes.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Report daily production, downtime, quality, and inventory results to the Operations Manager.
• Apply lean principles to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and optimise material usage.
• Support the introduction of new products into the manufacturing environment.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Management, or a related technical field ( required)
• Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Engineering or Operations Management ( advantageous)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Manufacturing Practitioner qualification ( advantageous)
• Valid South African drivers licence and own transport (advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment, of which at least 3 years in a management role (required)
• Demonstrated experience working within and maintaining an ISO9001 QMS (required)
• Experience in electronics, instrumentation, or complex systems manufacturing ( advantageous)
• Experience managing inventory and logistics in a manufacturing context ( advantageous)

Who You Are

• You hold yourself accountable. You don't wait to be told when something is off; you act
• You make sound decisions under pressure, on the floor, in real time
• You communicate clearly up to management and clearly down to your team
• You set the safety standard by example, non-negotiable
• You're precise with documentation because you understand why it matters
• You develop your people, not just manage them

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing Area and on-site office
• Wearing of PPE required in production areas
• Monday-Friday, 08:00-17:00 (occasional requirement to stay beyond standard hours to resolve production issues)
• Based in Stellenbosch
• Minimal travel required

Ready to Apply?

If this role matches where you are in your career and the kind of environment you do your best work in, we'd like to hear from you.

Important to note

Short-listed applicants may be subject to Reference -and Criminal Record Checks and Psychometric Assessments.