Plant Manager - Initiating Systems Assembly
Plant Manager
The Plant Manager is responsible for the day to day management of various none electric initiating system assembly plants, namely the assembly and repacking of none electric initiating systems and preparation and components. The position is at the Losberg facility, close to Fochville in the North West province.
The Plant manager’s primary responsibilities include leading the production staff and maintenance activities, the daily management and coordination of plant operations including production, maintenance and quality, while ensuring compliance with all labour, safety, environmental and corporate policies and regulations.
This is a hands-on position that is responsible for maximising production efficiency while continuously championing a safety culture among all personnel. This position plays a key role in plant operations, improvement projects, and has a direct responsibility to develop employees and ensure all employees are competent and fully trained in their tasks.
Working Conditions:
The position requires full time presence during office hours at the Losberg facility. It might also require overtime from time to time depending on specific improvement projects or operational aspects that require urgent attention.
Assembly plants operate on shifts with assembly supervisors on duty. Up to six team leaders can report directly to the incumbent.
The operations are characterised by high volume automated and manual assembly rates with a key focus on assembly safety, quality and productivity. The timeous availability of raw materials and finished goods to the required quality standards is critical to the success of this key business.

Key Responsibilities:
Coordinate and manage plant operations for assembly, maintenance, quality, safety and shipping and receiving of materials. Essential functions include:
Plant productivity
Material productivity, including first pass efficiency and waste management
People productivity, including training, development and resource management
Cost management – Ensure cost efficiency of every operation by actively managing daily costs, overtime, wastage, and efficiency
Adherence to sound SHEQ principles including ensuring compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, The Explosives Act and regulations and other Regulatory requirements
Ensure maintenance and continual improvement of the management systems based on ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and international safety standards, which include Process Safety Management
Work closely with quality personnel to review product consistency while monitoring scrap rates to determine trends and areas for improvement
Monitor production expenses and research ways to reduce costs while maintaining safety and quality standards
Maintain and support a superior safety and housekeeping program, including all timely communication requirements
Control, track and review performance against objectives, KPI’s, production and safety targets and lead improvement actions in order to ensure optimal performance
Ensure key roles are staffed with competent and appropriately trained personnel
Effectively manage manpower requirements, production planning, stock management, instrumentation calibration, plant maintenance, plant modifications and safety controls, e.g. detonator handling safety.
Maintain existing plant facilities and equipment in a good state of repair with Adherence to the prescribed quality assurance framework
Timeous reporting, investigation and follow up of all safety and quality deviations
Timeous and accurate review and follow up of both manual and system generated production and engineering reports, followed by timeous corrective actions.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
A Bachelor’s engineering degree. (E)
Minimum of 5 years hands-on plant management experience in a fast moving production environment. (E)
Proven fault finding and trouble shooting skills. (E)
Strong computer skills including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and use Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Power Point) to analyse data and trends
Demonstrated understanding of the principles and applications associated with manufacturing operations, maintenance and quality
Ability to communicate technical detail with all stakeholders and service providers and management. (E)
Working knowledge of production and quality control principles. (E)
Ability to interpret, analyse and use complex technical data and error or warning messages. (E)
Ability to reference and interpret technical operating manuals, specifications drawings and diagrams. (E)
Ability to organise and prioritise tasks and consistently meet deadlines and schedules. (E)
Ability to grasp application and functioning of new technology. (E)
Able to respond positively to changing requirements and pressures. (E)
Physically fit and energetic with sober habits. (E)
No criminal record. (E)
Working knowledge and understanding of MS Word, Excel, and Power Point. (E)
Proven leadership and communication skills. (E)
Strong analytical and decision-making skills (E)
Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to balance production and maintenance needs
Previous experience/best practices implementing and using continuous improvement tools such as Six Sigma, total quality management, etc., to drive improvement (D)
Salary Negotiable