Production Manager

A Production Manager runs day-to-day manufacturing for a plant or business unit. They are accountable for output, cost, quality and the people on the production floor, and they turn the production plan into results shift after shift.

What the role involves

• Meeting daily, weekly and monthly production plans
• Efficiency (OEE), yield, waste and cost-per-unit targets
• Leading production supervisors, shift managers and operators
• Safety, housekeeping and quality on the production floor
• Working with maintenance, planning, quality and stores
• Labour planning, overtime control, discipline and industrial relations
• Continuous improvement and lean projects

What makes a strong candidate

We look for a proven record of leading production across several shifts in a comparable process, measurable improvement in output, efficiency or waste, confident handling of industrial relations, and a visible, hands-on leadership style. An engineering, production or operations qualification is usual.

Red flags we screen for

• Supervisor-level experience presented as management
• No figures for output, efficiency or cost improvements
• Limited experience of disciplinary and IR processes

How PMG recruits Production Managers

We confirm the process, shift pattern, team size and union environment, then combine our Talent Vault with direct approaches in comparable plants. Candidates are screened on results, leadership, salary and notice period, and submitted only with written consent.

Frequently asked questions

Production Manager or Plant Manager?

A Production Manager runs the production function. A Plant Manager is accountable for the whole site, including maintenance, quality, stores and support functions.

What is the career path for a Production Manager?

Typically Operations Manager or Plant Manager, and later Operations Director or Head of Manufacturing.

See live vacancies · All manufacturing roles · Manufacturing Recruitment

Read more about how PMG recruits for this role on our Production Manager Recruitment South Africa page.

Salary ranges and role descriptions on this page are indicative and for general guidance only. They vary by employer, location and experience and are not a guarantee of any offer.