Production Lead – Biomass Manufacturing

Contact person for this position: Ronel Bakker

ronel@joblinkplacement.co.za

Website: www.joblinkplacement.co.za

Job overview

My client, the leading supplier of quality firewood, compost and wood alternative products, is looking for an experienced Production Lead to join their team.

An exciting opportunity exists for a Production Lead to become a key player in a newly established biomass facility.  You will be at the forefront of sustainable energy transformation, driving the production of biomass and its by-products for a wide range of industries.  This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with a strong production and technical background.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead biomass production operations, ensuring quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Manage logistics of raw feedstock delivery, plant machinery, and processing for multiple outputs.
• Implement and streamline SOP’s of the plant and ensure that all staff are sufficiently trained.
• Oversee production activities and supervise a small team of production staff.
• Monitor progress and performance to meet daily, weekly, and monthly production targets.
• Maintain product quality and plant costs in line with KPIs.
• Foster continuous improvement and implement SOPs across operations.
• Coordinate with the Technical Manager on mechanical systems and maintenance.
• Implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Coordinate with Technical Manager to improve production efficiency and integrate new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Manage budgets, procurement, and inventory for mechanical components and production materials.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Responsible for all people management aspects which include recruitment, training, mentoring, performance management of staff.
• Promote a culture of safety and innovation.
• Align departmental goals with the company’s strategic vision.

Requirements

• Proven 3-5 years’ experience leading production teams in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to drive production output, efficiency, and quality
• Hands-on experience implementing and maintaining processes, SOPs, and work standards
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with biomass feedstock logistics is beneficial.
• Strong leadership, planning, and people-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven track record of delivering results through effective management and delegation.
• PC literate and comfortable interacting with management at all levels.

Key Competencies

• Strong production leadership with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop teams
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on standardisation, compliance, and repeatability
• Ability to analyse production data and take corrective action to meet output and efficiency targets
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, capacity planning, and bottleneck management
• High level of accountability for production performance and people management

Personal Attributes

• Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership
• Disciplined, structured, and detail-focused
• Practical problem-solver with the ability to work on the shop floor
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Salary

Market related