Contract Manufacturing Manager

About the role

Are you an experienced manufacturing and supply chain professional with a strong background in electronic manufacturing environments? We are seeking a highly organised and technically skilled Contract Manufacturing Manager to oversee manufacturing and assembly activities across a network of suppliers and contractors.

This role is responsible for ensuring products are delivered on time, meet the highest quality standards, and comply with all relevant safety and industry regulations. The successful candidate will coordinate production schedules, supplier delivery plans, demand and capacity planning, while working closely with internal teams and external partners to support operational efficiency and delivery performance in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.

Qualifications & experience

• Minimum Diploma in Electronic Engineering, supplemented with a qualification in Production, Project, or Operations Management.


• Minimum 5 years’ planning experience in a high-mix, low-volume electronic manufacturing environment.


• APICS CPIM or equivalent certification will be advantageous.

Key technical skills

• Strong understanding of production planning, material planning, and scheduling processes.


• Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably Q-Muzik and/or SAP, for MRP, configuration management, and change control.


• Sound knowledge of manufacturing and procurement principles within a high-mix, low-volume environment.


• Strong reporting and documentation skills, including the preparation of routine reports and correspondence.


• Ability to interpret technical, financial, and administrative information to support production planning and problem solving.


• Up-to-date knowledge of manufacturing principles, processes, and industry trends.


• Strong technical knowledge of electronic manufacturing and testing environments.


• Ability to support suppliers and contractors with technical issue resolution.


• Sound understanding of supplier management, support, and control processes.


• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.


• High attention to detail in electronic and mechanical production environments.

Key responsibilities

Material & Inventory Planning

• Ensure optimal material availability aligned to production schedules, minimising shortages and excess inventory.


• Achieve on-time supplier delivery performance through effective planning, tracking, and proactive issue resolution.


• Drive continuous improvement in supply chain efficiency and inventory management processes.

Production Planning & Delivery Performance

• Ensure all products are delivered on time, in full, and to required quality standards.


• Maintain accurate and aligned Master Production Schedules (MPS) to meet demand and operational targets.


• Provide clear visibility of delivery risks, constraints, and performance metrics to stakeholders.

Supplier & Contractor Management

• Ensure contractor performance meets agreed delivery, quality, and capacity requirements.


• Maintain effective coordination across suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve constraints and prioritise deliveries.


• Enable consistent execution of production activities across the contractor network.

Financial & Cost Management

• Ensure cost-effective production through accurate budgeting, cost control, and supplier evaluation.


• Deliver cost optimisation initiatives and support competitive sourcing decisions.


• Maintain financial compliance through accurate verification of quotations, invoices, and expenditures.

Quality, Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Ensure adherence to quality standards, configuration control, and manufacturing processes.


• Maintain compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational standards across all contractors.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and process reliability.

Our recruitment values:

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organizational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline: 16 June 2026. 

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV by applying directly on the HENSOLDT Careers Page.

If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.