The Production Supervisor is responsible for supervising and coordinating daily steel manufacturing operations to ensure production targets, quality standards, safety compliance, and operational efficiencies are achieved within a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role requires strong leadership, technical production knowledge, and the ability to manage teams in a demanding steel processing or fabrication plant.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations
- Supervise daily production activities within the steel manufacturing plant.
- Ensure production schedules and output targets are achieved.
- Monitor workflow, machine utilization, downtime, and labour productivity.
- Coordinate production changeovers and material flow.
- Ensure adherence to production plans and customer delivery deadlines.
- Minimise scrap, rework, and operational waste through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor steel processing operations including cutting, rolling, pressing, fabrication, or forming processes.
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and manage production operators and machine staff.
- Conduct toolbox talks, shift meetings, and daily production briefings.
- Provide on-the-job training and coaching to production staff.
- Allocate manpower effectively according to production priorities.
Quality Control
- Ensure products meet company and customer quality standards.
- Conduct first-off inspections and monitor in-process quality checks.
- Investigate quality deviations and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with ISO procedures and manufacturing specifications.
Health & Safety
- Enforce compliance with OHSA regulations and company safety standards.
- Ensure correct use of PPE and safe operating procedures.
- Conduct incident investigations and corrective action implementation.
- Maintain high housekeeping and 5S standards across the production area.
Maintenance & Equipment
- Report machinery breakdowns and coordinate with maintenance teams.
- Ensure machines are operating efficiently and safely.
- Support preventative maintenance schedules and shutdown planning.
- Monitor tooling, consumables, and production equipment condition.
Reporting & Administration
- Complete daily production reports and shift handovers.
- Monitor KPIs including output, downtime, scrap, absenteeism, and OEE.
- Assist with stock counts and raw material usage reporting.
- Communicate operational issues to management timeously.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- High School Diploma
- Production Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Supervisory qualification advantageous.
- Supervisory Development Programme or equivalent preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a steel manufacturing or heavy industrial environment.
- Minimum 3 years’ supervisory experience in production/manufacturing.
- Experience working with steel processing equipment, fabrication lines, rolling mills, or sheet metal manufacturing advantageous.
- Experience in a unionised manufacturing environment preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Sound understanding of manufacturing processes and production planning.
- Knowledge of steel manufacturing operations and quality systems.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight production deadlines.
- Computer literacy (MS Office, ERP/MRP systems advantageous).
- Excellent communication and reporting skills.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Production output achievement
- Downtime reduction
- Scrap and rework reduction
- Quality compliance
- Safety compliance and incident reduction
- Labour productivity
- On-time order completion
- Housekeeping and 5S compliance
Working Conditions
- Heavy industrial / steel manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to heat, noise, machinery, cranes, and moving equipment.
- PPE compulsory at all times.
- Extended operational hours may be required based on production demands.
Work Location: In person
