Production Supervisor

Job Advert Summary

The Shift Production Supervisor is a decisive, hands-on operational leader responsible for delivering exceptional manufacturing performance during their shift. As the most senior operational leader on duty, this individual must demonstrate sound judgement, takes ownership of business outcomes, crisis manage and makes timely decisions to ensure production targets, quality standards, safety requirements and customer delivery commitments are consistently achieved.

This role demands a highly disciplined leader who drives execution through strong planning, visible leadership, high operational discipline and uncompromising operational standards. The successful candidate must proactively identify risks before they become problems, anticipate production constraints, and implement effective corrective actions to minimise downtime, quality defects and delivery delays.

The Shift Production Supervisor creates a culture of accountability, urgency and continuous improvement by setting high performance expectations, developing capable teams, enforcing standards and leading by example. They build trust through fairness and consistency while maintaining firm control of operations, ensuring that all employees work safely, efficiently and in accordance with company policies and standard operating procedures.

The ideal candidate must be driven by results, committed to operational excellence and motivated by delivering world-class manufacturing performance every shift.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric) is essential
• Minimum NQF 5 Qualification
• Be able to work shifts
• Experience in a similar role in a furniture or textile environment (advantageous)
• Must be computer literate
• 5 to 10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a managerial position
• Plant and process knowledge
• Ability to work under pressure, meet delivery plans and manage staf
• Experience within a unionised environment
• Leadership Presence
• Results Driven
• Operational Discipline
• Communication Excellence
• Ownership & Accountability
• Emotional Intelligence

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure that machines are running efficiently.
• Monitor daily production plan and report on figures daily by checking production reports & performance
• Track KPIs and populate electronic dashboards as required
• Provide guidance and assistance to personnel where and when required.
• Report machine faults/ breakdowns to the Production Manager.
• Manage and record waste.
• Implement and execute continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure that internal delivery processes are adhered to, to support delivery lead time.
• Order raw materials needed for production
• Drive the implementation and sustain Operational Excellence initiatives
• Implement and maintain the Quality Management system (QMS).
• Ensure output meets quality standards.
• Conduct verification quality checks.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis sessions for performance, breakdowns and quality non-conformances.
• Ensure planned maintenance of machinery and equipment is conducted.
• Ensure the machines are serviced as per the plan.
• Motivate personnel to obtain efficiency and quality.
• Ensure weekly toolbox talks for the shift takes place
• Ensure that all personnel are performing their assigned duties.
• Drive performance of staff, giving direction and feedback to aid good performance.
• Manage absenteeism in your department.
• Making alternative arrangements when members of staff are absent.
• Check and sign off weekly wage printouts
• Monitor staff KPI’s and take necessary action if KPI’s are not met within a satisfactory level of performance (targets are met).
• Conduct performance reviews as and when required.
• Ensure compliance of all policies and procedures within your department.
• Manage overtime by keeping overtime worked to a minimum.
• Lead by example.
• Take corrective disciplinary action against employees whose behaviour and performance requires such and in alignment with the disciplinary code.
• Identify training needs through performance reviews.
• Ensure all staff are trained and adhere to SOPs.
• Conduct training according to training plan and follow up training schedules for all trainees.
• Ensure cross training across all staff
• Ensure that the department is always neat and tidy (Housekeeping)
• Ensue raw materials are stored in allocated areas.
• Ensure that staff wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment.
• Conduct all activities around the governance in the department which includes safety checksheets, planned task observations, daily adjustments and substitution submissions and inspections.
• Report any unsafe conditions and acts in the department.
• Correct unsafe acts and conditions when possible.
• Check safety equipment on all machinery.
• Adhere to and ensure the compliance of all Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure all fire & first aid equipment is accessible at all times.
• Manage inventory within the warehouse and ensure just in time manufacturing.
• Conduct stock take and cycle counts as and when required.
• Check & submit staff leave and sick notes daily.
• To perform any task within your abilities as instructed by the manager.