Project / Production Manager

Low volume specialist vehicle manufacturer based in Port Elizabeth is seeking a highly skilled Project / Production Manager with a strong background in Mechanical Engineering and specialist automotive or automotive component manufacturing. In this hybrid role, you will bridge the gap between engineering design/development, client program timelines, and shop-floor production. This position relates to an exciting project where you will be responsible for leading the introduction of a prototype EV vehicle to final manufacture, ensuring all automotive quality, safety, and delivery metrics are met.

1. Project Management & Program Delivery

• Introduce and lead team to deliver specialist automotive components and assemblies from engineering sign-off to Production.
• Develop and execute detailed project schedules.
• Manage project budgets, tooling capitalization, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.
• Act as the primary factory technical point of contact with client and specialized suppliers.

2. Production & Operations Leadership

• Oversee daily production activities, prioritizing workplace safety, operational efficiency, and quality.
• Translate engineering drawings, CAD data into manufacturing routing and standard operating procedures.
• Optimize shop-floor layout, machine capacity utilization, and specialized tooling deployments.

3. Engineering Integration & Quality Compliance

• Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews to bridge the gap between R&D and the production line.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with strict automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001).

Criteria

Requirement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (B.Eng / B.Sc / B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a highly related technical field.

Experience

5+ years of combined experience in project management and production leadership within an automotive component or specialist vehicle manufacturing environment.

Industry Niche

Proven track record working with specialist components (e.g., advanced chassis, suspension systems, specialized drivetrains, precision fabrications, or specialty EV integration).

Technical Skills

Proficient in interpreting complex engineering drawings and 3D CAD data (e.g., SolidWorks). Strong command of project management frameworks and ERP/MRP systems.

Advantageous

Experience in composites

Competitive salary and benefits package offered, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience.

Interested candidates are invited to forward their CV and supporting documentation to ***email_hidden***

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We look forward to welcoming a motivated professional to our growing team.