Manufacturing Plant Manager

Recruiter

TalentFuse (Pty) Ltd

Job Ref

JHB000044/KM

Date posted

Friday, May 29, 2026

Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

SUMMARY

An established manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and continuous improvement within a high-volume manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a technically strong individual with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, managing engineering projects, improving plant performance, and leading multidisciplinary teams.

POSITION INFO

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations to ensure production targets, quality standards, and operational efficiencies are achieved.
• Manage production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and technical teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation.
• Identify root causes of operational and production issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Ensure all equipment, machinery, moulds, and plant assets are maintained to the highest standards.
• Manage maintenance strategies, preventative maintenance programmes, and engineering projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new equipment and production systems.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, maintenance spend, and capital expenditure projects.
• Monitor raw material usage and identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems, food safety standards, and relevant legislative requirements.
• Drive health and safety compliance throughout the plant.
• Lead, motivate, mentor, and develop operational teams.
• Ensure housekeeping, manufacturing, and operational standards are maintained at all times.

Non-negotiable Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, or similar senior manufacturing leadership role.
• Proven experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong engineering and maintenance management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing budgets, maintenance spend, and capital expenditure projects.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Sound understanding of health and safety legislation.
• Proven track record of driving operational efficiencies and plant performance improvements.

HIGHLY ADVANTAGEOUS

• Experience within plastics, packaging, injection moulding, blow moulding, PET manufacturing, FMCG, food manufacturing, or related industries.
• Exposure to FSSC, ISO, or other recognised quality systems.
• Experience managing mould maintenance and manufacturing equipment upgrades.
• Experience leading engineering and capital projects from concept through implementation.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability.
• Results-driven with a strong sense of urgency.
• Highly organised with excellent planning skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and able to inspire high-performing teams.

Please note that only candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be considered for this opportunity.