Production Manager

**Company Overview**: Orchard Agri Pty Ltd is a wholesaler, manufacturer, importer, exporter, and distributor of agricultural chemicals. The company distributes its products via independent distributors and is known for its high-quality manufacturing processes, including pelleting, extruding, blending of powders and liquids, as well as repacking bulk into smaller sizes.

**Position Summary**: The Production Manager will oversee and manage all aspects of production and operations in the agricultural chemicals division. This includes ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining high-quality standards, managing and communicating production schedules, and overseeing the maintenance of equipment and facilities. The Production Manager will work closely with the General Manager to achieve the company's production goals.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Production Management**:

- Plan, organize, and oversee the manufacturing processes, including pelleting, extruding, blending, and repacking.
- Provide information on the required raw and packaging materials, and monitor their availability at all times.
- Develop and implement production schedules to meet demand and ensure timely delivery of products.
- Monitor and manage production metrics to achieve efficiency and quality targets.
- Assess, control, and minimise waste.
- **Quality Control**:

- Ensure that all products meet the company's quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Implement and maintain quality control processes and procedures.
- Conduct regular inspections and audits of production processes and products.
- **Team Management**:

- Lead, train, and develop the production team to ensure high performance and adherence to health and safety standards.
- Foster a positive and productive work environment.
- Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.
- **Equipment and Facility Maintenance**:

- Lead the selection and installation of new production equipment.
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of production equipment and facilities.
- Ensure that all equipment is operated safely and efficiently.
- Coordinate with maintenance staff and external contractors as needed.
- **Cost Management**:

- Monitor and manage production costs to ensure profitability.
- Implement cost-saving initiatives and improve production efficiency.
- Prepare and manage the production budget.
- Supervise stock counting and control

**Required Skills**:

- **Technical Skills**:

- Strong understanding of production processes, particularly in pelleting, extruding, and blending of agricultural chemicals.
- Proficiency in using production management software and tools.
- Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair.
- **Analytical Skills**:

- Ability to analyse production processes, data and metrics to identify areas for improvement.
- Strong problem-solving skills to address production issues effectively.
- **Leadership Skills**:

- Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
- Experience in managing and developing staff to achieve high performance.
- Build and sustain a workforce that can work overtime and in shifts when production is under strain.
- **Communication Skills**:

- Excellent English and Afrikaans verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate with team members, management, and external partners.
- **Organisational Skills**:

- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- **Attention to Detail**:

- High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of production management.
- Hands on in every part of the production process.

**Qualifications**:

- Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
- Proven experience as a Production Manager or similar role in the agricultural chemicals or related industry.
- Strong understanding of production management, quality control, and equipment maintenance.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements in the agricultural chemicals industry.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Graduate

**Education**:

- Certificate (required)