The Person: Degree or Diploma in Production/Operations Management or Industrial Engineering Science. Minimum 5 years' Production Management experience within the Automotive/Manufacturing sector. The Job: Report to the Plant Manager: Strategy: Develop the Plant medium to long term manufacturing strategy. Assist with developing operational strategy. Align Plant Manufacturing Strategy to the overall business strategy. Provide strategic and change leadership to the manufacturing function and teams. Achieve/exceed the annual manufacturing operational plan. Production Planning: Plan, schedule and monitor production (sales forecasts, requirements, stock levels, maintenance requirements, changeovers, etc.). Schedule and arrange maintenance and repairs for manufacturing operations. Oversee production planning. Approve production plans. Analyse and interpret production statistics/data to identify opportunities for improvements. Production Management/Raw Materials: Deliver operational results in accordance with department plans and budgets. Ensure appropriate standards are established for Plant utilisation and efficiency, and monitor performance against these standards. Meet all production & operational deadlines & implement continuous improvement savings. Optimise the manufacturing processes. Ensure the optimal and efficient use of plant and production resources. Manage Plant improvement projects. Investigate and resolve manufacturing related problems and substandard performance. Establish best practices for Plant utilisation and efficiencies. Oversee the activities of Production contractors in the Plant. Monitor the level of Raw Materials to ensure sufficient material to support production. Oversee monthly stock takes. Continuous Improvement: Continually measure, monitor and provide improvement plans for improving business systems efficiency and cost reduction programs, in line with latest production trends & developments. Reporting and Staff Management: Prepare detailed Production reports. Participate, present & report on all production issues. Monitor the achievement of daily production targets. Manage individual, team and departmental performance. Manage labour complement and stability in line with budget. Participate in the implementation and utilisation of equity related processes. Plan, organise and monitor production work in Plant. Resolve grievances and disputes where necessary. Manage workforce discipline. Coach and counsel employees to ensure improved performance levels.