Production Line Supervisor

Job Advertisement: Production Line Supervisor (Precision Engineering, Autos, Press, and Plating)

Location: Maitland, Cape Town

Sector: Precision High-Volume Engineering / Manufacturing

Salary: R50,000 – R62,000

Role Summary

Our client, a leader in high-volume precision engineering, is seeking a battle-tested Production Line Supervisor to lead daily operations across the Autos, Press, and Plating departments.

This is a high-impact, shop-floor leadership role designed for a candidate who thrives on operational discipline. You will be responsible for converting production plans into tangible output, ensuring that every component meets rigorous ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards. If you are a decisive leader who understands the mechanics of throughput, OEE, and team accountability, this is your opportunity to drive excellence in a world-class manufacturing environment.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

The success of the incumbent will be measured against the following metrics:

• Throughput: Achievement of daily output vs. production plan.
• Efficiency: Optimisation of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and downtime reduction.
• Quality: Minimisation of scrap/rework percentages and "Right-First-Time" yield.
• Delivery: Maintenance of On-Time Delivery (OTD) schedules.
• Compliance: Zero-tolerance adherence to Safety (PPE) and ISO audit standards.
• Leadership: Management of labor productivity, absenteeism, and shop-floor discipline.

Detailed Responsibilities

1. Production Execution & Throughput

• Directly oversee the execution of the daily production plan across specialised sections (Autos, Press, Plating).
• Conduct shift start-up meetings to allocate resources and set clear hourly targets.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks in real-time to ensure continuous workflow.
• Drive recovery plans immediately when targets are at risk.

2. Quality & Systems Control

• Enforce strict compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS) to prevent defects at the source.
• Utilise ERP systems to ensure accurate production reporting, work order management, and material traceability.
• Lead root-cause investigations into quality deviations and implement corrective actions.

3. Technical Oversight & Asset Care

• Promote TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) by ensuring operators perform daily autonomous maintenance checks.
• Liaise closely with the Maintenance department to prioritise machine repairs and minimize unplanned downtime.

4. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Champion a culture of 5S and visual management on the shop floor.
• Identify and eliminate the "8 Wastes" (e.g., waiting, overproduction, defects) to reduce cost-per-unit.
• Lead small-group activities for daily productivity improvements.

5. People Leadership & Safety

• Supervise, coach, and develop a diverse team of operators.
• Manage industrial relations (IR) matters, including grievance handling and disciplinary procedures, in line with company policy.
• Act as the primary safety officer for the line, enforcing PPE compliance and conducting hazard identifications.

Candidate Requirements

Education

• Essential: National Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Production Management, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• Advantageous: A technical trade qualification (e.g., Toolmaker, Millwright, or Turner).

Experience

• High-Volume Manufacturing: Minimum 5 years of experience in a repetitive, high-speed production environment.
• Supervisory Leadership: At least 2 years of proven experience managing teams of 20+ operators.
• Technical Context: Direct exposure to Pressing, Plating, or Automated manufacturing processes is highly preferred.

Competencies & Skills

• Systems: Proficiency in ERP software and production data analytics.
• Soft Skills: Must be a "firm but fair" leader with the ability to communicate clearly in English.
• Problem Solving: Practical ability to troubleshoot mechanical and workflow issues under pressure.