Manager - Production (Cooling Plant) at Defy Appliances

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

• We are currently seeking a Manager-Production-(Cooling Plant) to join our dynamic team in Ezakheni. 
• The Manager-Production (Cooling Plant) is responsible for providing leadership and operational oversight of the production plant, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing aligned to business objectives and customer requirements.
• The role drives operational excellence, continuous improvement, workforce performance, and sustainable cost management, while ensuring full compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and labour regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and execute the plant manufacturing strategy aligned to company goals.
• Lead daily operations to deliver on volume, quality, cost and delivery targets.
• Optimise capacity utilisation and drive OEE improvement.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead capital investment, automation and plant optimisation projects.
• Drive strict cost control across labour, materials, scrap and overheads.
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop large, unionised, multi-shift teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, Finance and Commercial.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering / manufacturing / industrial engineering
• 8–10 years’ manufacturing experience
• 2–3 years in senior production leadership
• Experience managing large teams (1000+ preferred)
• Strong ISO systems exposure and audit readiness
• Proven track record in cost control and operational improvement
• Experience in unionised and multi-shift environments.

ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Cooling / refrigeration manufacturing experience
• Lean Six Sigma certification.

SUCCESS MEASURES:

• Production output vs plan
• OEE improvement and downtime reduction
• Cost per unit optimisation
• Scrap and rework reduction
• Strong safety performance
• High employee engagement and productivity

 Closing Date 23 February 2026