Plant Manager

This includes effective scheduling and optimisation of resources—materials, equipment, facilities, and labor—to ensure safe, timely delivery of products at the contracted quality standards.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Oversee all daily plant operations and activities, ensuring smooth execution of production plans.
• Prepare and manage production schedules in collaboration with planning, covering materials, components, facilities, labor, and equipment.
• Monitor and report production against the Master Production Schedule, raising early warnings of risks to delivery deadlines and driving mitigation actions.
• Set and manage operational overheads and labor budgets/forecasts.
• Control and monitor direct manufacturing costs to maintain competitiveness.
• Provide inputs and justifications for the CAPEX budget.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, SHEQ systems, standards, and procedures.
• Recommend, motivate, and manage process and equipment changes via official MOC and Engineering Change Proposal processes.
• Resolve plant downtime through risk evaluation and task prioritization with engineering teams.
• Handle escalated HR issues beyond supervisor level; ensure performance contracting is maintained per HR procedures.
• Maintain discipline and enforce company policies, practices, and procedures.
• Support and embed the company vision and values across the team, ensuring alignment and calibration.

• BSc./BEng/BTech in Chemical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a production/manufacturing environment.
• Completion of Explosives Management Modules (UNISA Explosives Management Certificate) would be advantageous.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong problem‑solving abilities, analytical thinking, and sound judgment.
  • Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Project).
  • ERP system knowledge (e.g. SAP).
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Ability to operate and communicate effectively at senior level.
  • Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills.
  • High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Work Ethic & Attributes:
  • Self‑starter, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Precise, methodical, and results‑oriented.
  • Driven, confident, and motivated to achieve operational excellence.

• Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours when required
• Organizational Skills: Effective planning, prioritization, and administration of multiple tasks.

• Competitive compensation package with incentive bonus and pension fund
• Medical Schemes
• Stable employer background
• Opportunity to work on major projects within our Weapons and Ammunition Division
• Extensive Employee Assistance Program to support overall health and wellbeing
• Career development and progress opportunities
• Individual and diverse training opportunities and programs (Bursary Schemes)
• Subsidized canteen on site with themed days and multiple dietary options
• Innovative and dynamic working environment and culture
• Work as part of a team with real purpose in what we do
• Participation in (international) Rheinmetall activities and events

Rheinmetall Denel Munition is an Employment Equity Employer that gives preference to suitable candidates who add to the diversity of the company.