Manufacturing Executive, Cape Town

Lead high‑volume operations, drive performance, and shape a unionised workforce in a precision manufacturing environment.

A leading precision manufacturing organisation is seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Executive to take full accountability for its high-volume, unionised production environment. This is a senior leadership role with direct responsibility for operational excellence, strategic alignment, and people development across a 24/6 manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the entire manufacturing function with full P&L accountability.
• Translate sales plans into dynamic capacity and production schedules.
• Champion strict ERP compliance and data-driven decision-making.
• Drive productivity, quality, and waste reduction through Lean/WCM methodologies.
• Lead and coach a team of ~119 staff, including 6 direct reports.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards, OHS, and statutory regulations.
• Collaborate with executives on strategic operational goals.

Candidate Profile

• Degree/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.ESSENTIAL
• Formal qualification in Operations Management.ESSENTIAL
• 10+ years’ experience in high-volume manufacturing, with 5+ years at senior management level.
• Proven leadership of a unionised workforce (~200 employees).
• Strong ERP (SAP) proficiency and operational reporting skills.
• Ethical, collaborative, and hands-on leader with a constant presence on the factory floor.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans; additional languages advantageous.

Success Measures

• OTIF Production (On Time in Full)
• Shift Productivity
• Costing & Stock Accuracy
• Process Standardisation & Mastery
• Inventory Days Outstanding
• Shared scorecard objectives: Safety, EBIT, Operating Free Cash Flow

Apply now: ***email_hidden***

This is a rare opportunity to lead manufacturing excellence in a precision engineering environment.