Production Engineering Lead at ISUZU Motors South Africa

Job Advert Summary    

• In support of IMSAf’s ongoing efforts to enhance organisational performance and provide employee development opportunities, the company is pleased to invite applications for Production Engingeering Lead in the Manufacturing- Quality/Technical Support Department.
• This role will lead, plan and coordinate Manufacturing Production Engineering activities within the Plant. The role is accountable for second-line supervision in the Shop and for overseeing and managing the teams assigned to this function. The incumbent is responsible for the development, configuration and optimisation of manufacturing processes from inception through to start-up and certification of programmes.
• The role supports production in achieving the Plant's quality and productivity targets, as well as Process Engineering activities associated with Product and Parts. The incumbent will also be responsible for coordinating and leading manufacturing process activities and functions covering planning and integration processes in support of new model introductions, re-rates, model year changes and/or other product engineering, quality and process-related changes.
• ISUZU Motors South Africa reserves the right to appoint the successful candidate accordingly. Only applicants that meet the specified criteria will be considered. Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who meet the requirements of the IMSAf Employment Equity Plan.

Minimum Requirements    

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering OR
• Mechanical / Electrical Trade Certificate supported with a Bachelors Degree in Quality / Production / Operations Management.
• At least 3 to 5 years’ experience in a Manufacturing Process Environment.
• Computer Literacy, knowledge and experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP and Windows.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Sound knowledge of Vehicle Manufacturing Processes, Systems and Controls (torque, sealing, welding, dimensional data interpretation).
• Knowledge of SAP system including Budget control, PR system and Shop & Zone inputs.
• Sound knowledge of LMS (Lean Manufacturing System) principles.
• Extensive knowledge of production (Body, Paint, General Assembly) processes and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of ISO Quality Management System (ISO 9001).
• Knowledge on Launch Process and execution thereof.
• Sound knowledge of mechanical functions including drive train and vehicle electrical systems.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate both at team and management level. 
• Ability to motivate his/her teams and Building effective teams.
• Ability to lead change.
• Willing and able to work overtime as required.
• Willing and able to travel (national and international).

Duties and Responsibilities    

Oversight of implementing robust Quality / Production Processes

• Develop, configure and optimize quality / manufacturing processes from inception through to start up and certification.
• Assess processes, take measurements and interpret data.
• Design, run, test and upgrade systems and processes.
• Perform process simulations.
• Perform risk assessments as required.
• Provide quality process documentation and operating instructions.
• Liaison with suppliers to ensure that their processes meet required standards and that their services are operating at maximum efficiency with regards to quality.
• Lead continuous improvement processes to improve productivity and efficiency.

Manage Teams to achieve Performance Targets

• Responsible for performance targets for the team. Set and cascade the Performance Targets to the team to populate and measure themselves.
• Responsible for the team performance. Review performance to target and with their team implement necessary actions / corrective actions to achieve desired results.
• Work with the cross functional departments and production teams to improve product quality, productivity and efficiency.

Problem solving to prevent quality spills

• Responsible for line support and overcoming any technical issues.
• Conduct weekly Process Audits of Processes.
• Achieve Quality Metrics through effective feedback/feed forward.
• Conduct problem solving utilizing the tools of NCR – Nonconformance Report and PSR – Problem Solving Report processes as per the Shop escalation criteria.
• Action all External Quality concerns through effective Fast Response, using the layered audits, PSR, containment action, PFMEA review processes to identify and eliminate reoccurrences of failures.

Apply Lean Manufacturing initiatives

• Developing and improving manufacturing processes alongside quality control measures to maximize both qualitative and quantitative output from the plant.
• Responsible for the driving, education, continual auditing and subsequent conformance to LMS.
• Work with IE, Maintenance and Production to deliver throughput improvement projects and identify requirements for strategic process changes in the shop with respect to the area of responsibility.

Oversee Change Management processes

• Manage all ECS’s, DP’s, REC’s through the Change Control Process by updating all relevant steps/break points on form/board until final buy-off is achieved.
• Responsible for raising, highlighting and execution efficiency of engineering changes.
• Responsible to ensure change management criteria is adhered to and that that the change management process is followed rigorously to ensure a smooth change transition.

Implement Product Launch activities

• Process Lead for Shop launch and build by objective activities for new product launches.
• Process Lead at plant launch team forums and raises pertinent shop issues during planning stages of the project.
• Coordinates with Plant Launch Lead / Manager on new models regarding vehicle requirements for process validations.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Enginering on future programs, actively participate in design reviews, co-ordinate activities related to pre-production builds and support facilitation shop buyoffs.

Continuous Improvement activities

• Develop best practices, routines and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output.
• Identify crucial areas for process improvements and assimilate action teams to implement changes.
• Manage cost and time constraints.
• Conduct cost saving initiatives within the team to eliminate waste.

Deadline:29th September,2026