Production Manager – Trailer Manufacturing
Location: Blackheath, Cape Town
Reporting to: General Manager
Working Hours: Normal working hours | Seldom overtime
Role Overview
We are a growing trailer manufacturing business seeking an experienced Production Manager to take full ownership of factory operations. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for planning, execution, people management, quality, safety, and continuous improvement across the production floor.
You will be accountable for delivering production targets on time, to specification, and efficiently, while building a disciplined, safe, and high-performing production team.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Control
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate production projects to meet delivery deadlines
• Balance labour, materials, and capacity to optimise throughput
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly production performance
• Keep to weekly turnover targets
People & Team Management
• Lead and manage a production team of approximately 30 employees, including 5 foremen
• Set clear expectations, track performance, and address underperformance decisively
• Develop foremen and operators through coaching, training, and clear work standards
• Maintain discipline, attendance, and workforce stability
Quality Management
• Ensure trailers are built to required specifications and quality standards
• Implement and enforce quality checks throughout the production process
• Identify root causes of defects and drive corrective actions
Health, Safety & Housekeeping
• Enforce health and safety standards across the factory floor
• Maintain high housekeeping and workplace organisation standards (5S or equivalent)
• Ensure compliance with legal and internal safety requirements
Process Improvement & Efficiency
• Continuously improve production processes, layouts, and workflows
• Identify waste, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies and implement practical solutions
• Drive standardisation and repeatability in manufacturing processes
Technical Oversight
• Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support where required
• Ensure correct manufacturing methods are followed across departments
Technical Knowledge (Beneficial)
Hands-on or supervisory experience in:
• 12V electrical installations
• Welding and metal fabrication
• Plumbing systems
• Trailer manufacturing
• Cabinet building and fit-out
(You do not need to be an artisan, but you must understand the work well enough to challenge poor workmanship and make sound decisions.)