Factory/production Manager

**FACTORY/PRODUCTION MANAGER (Chemical Manufacturing)**

**Durban**

As the Manufacturing/Factory Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless and efficient operations of our industrial detergent manufacturing facility, catering specifically to the dynamic needs of the Food and Beverage, Institutional and Laundry industries. This senior management position demands a strategic thinker with a practical hands-on approach, overseeing key performance areas such as Production Management and Planning, Purchasing and Budgeting & Finance, Health and Safety, Human Resources, Repairs and Maintenance, Communication and Reporting within the Production Environment.

Managing a diverse team will require strong leadership skills to drive the efficient production of high-quality industrial chemical products, meeting client demands while navigating the intricacies of interaction with the Technical, Finance, Sales and Warehouse divisions. This role requires a seasoned professional who not only possesses a wealth of experience in chemical manufacturing but who is also willing to engage in administrative functions to ensure the overall success of the plant. This role will be suitable if you are a results-driven leader with a passion for operational excellence, a deep understanding of the detergent chemical industry and excellent people management skills.

**Key Performance Areas**

**Production Planning**
- Plan production and Forecast Raw Material holdings and purchase in accordance with sales divisions demands/needs.
- Take responsibility for Toll manufacturing customer base, establishing pricing and offtakes directly with the client.
- Ensure efficient management, co-ordination and record-keeping of all production activities to meet quality and quantity standards.
- Plan daily and weekly checks to ensure smooth operation of production.
- Plan and arrange human capital in line with production needs at an optimum level of productivity.
- Identify manufacturing improvement opportunities.

**Production Management**
- Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure adherence to quality standards and production schedules.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance overall productivity and reduce costs.
- Implement efficient production schedules and workflows.
- Perform root cause analysis, incident reports and corrective actions - resolve problems.
- Manage maintenance contractors on site and ensure legal / safety compliance.
- Ensure good housekeeping standards are maintained.
- Conduct routine audits / risk assessments of equipment and facilities and resolve issues.
- Collaborate with department supervisors to address and resolve production challenges.
- Set tasks and prioritise work across the team.
- Ensure availability of necessary tools and equipment.

**Purchasing and Finance Management**
- Oversee and Manage the Raw Material Procurement Function.
- Negotiate prices and Terms with key raw material and or 3rd party suppliers.
- Budget, forecast, control and optimise all production operational costs.
- Overseeing equipment stock and placing orders for new supplies when necessary.
- Forecasting, ordering, and price negotiation of spare parts inventory.
- Responsible for full production and maintenance department budget function (CAPEX and OPEX) - including preparation, forecasting, presentation, management, tracking and reporting.

**Maintenance Management**
- Oversee and manage the Maintenance Department and the relevant staff.
- Ensure Preventative Maintenance Programme / Schedules are implemented and maintained to reduce risk.
- Maintains manufacturing assets and facility, parts & tools inventory, supplier quotations, monitoring purchase orders, invoice approvals.
- Evaluating repair cost estimates against actual expenditure once repairs / improvements are complete.
- Overseeing equipment stock and placing orders for new supplies when necessary.
- Forecasting, ordering, and price negotiation of spare parts inventory.

**Health and Safety**
- Implement and enforce safety protocols and regulations.
- Conduct regular safety audits and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Ensure the safety of all staff and visitors to the facility and provide necessary PPE.
- Developing company policies and standard operating procedures for all production work.
- Ensuring direct reporting team members adhere to the safety policies and procedures.
- Check all tools and testing equipment regularly to ensure safe and good working order - report any issues.
- Be able and willing to accept SHE regulatory appointments.

**Human Resources**
- Hiring and management of subcontractors and other vendors when required.
- Ensure that the correct skillsets are present within the teams.
- Upskill direct reporting staff by conducting training meetings; one on one development sessions; outside technical skills training.
- Provide training for factory personnel on production and maintenance processes and use of equip