Production Superintendent

Purpose of the job:

To provide operational leadership for the production function of the CS2, Xanthates & other manufacturing facilities, ensuring that products are manufactured safely, reliably, efficiently, on specification and in accordance with customer and business requirements.The Production Superintendent is accountable for the day-to-day performance of production operations, including safety, production output, quality, cost, plant utilisation, operational discipline, people capability and continuous improvement.

Required outputs: Functional

• Manage the production process and ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and on time.
• Ensure raw materials, labour, equipment and utilities are available to execute the production plan.
• Ensure equipment availability and reliability by working closely with the Maintenance and Engineering teams.
• Provide effective leadership, coaching and development of production teams and frontline leaders.
• Optimise plant capacity, throughput, utilisation and production efficiency while minimising waste and production losses.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with SHEQ, OHS, process safety and company requirements.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, operating procedures, permits and critical safety controls.
• Monitor production processes and operating parameters and address deviations and abnormal conditions.
• Ensure products consistently meet quality specifications and minimise off-specification production, rework and waste.
• Coordinate production planning, campaigns, changeovers and product transitions to meet customer requirements.
• Work closely with Quality, Laboratory, Process Engineering, Maintenance, Planning and Supply Chain to resolve operational issues.
• Lead or participate in risk assessments, HAZOPs, incident investigations and process safety reviews.
• Maintain strong operational discipline, accurate production records and effective shift handovers.
• Monitor production KPIs covering safety, production, quality, reliability, cost and people performance.
• Control production-related expenditure, including raw materials, utilities, overtime, waste and maintenance costs.
• Support shutdowns, maintenance activities, equipment modifications and CAPEX projects.
• Drive continuous improvement, operational excellence and world-class manufacturing practices.
• Maintain good housekeeping and ensure a clean, safe and organised production environment.
• Plan shift rosters and coordinate production activities across shifts and operating areas.
• Ensure production activities support customer demand and contribute to reliable customer service.

Qualifications and expertise required (Must)

• Grade 12 with Maths and Science.

• Diploma / BTech / Degree in Chemical Engineering/ Process Engineering

• Postgraduate qualification in Business Administration or Operations Management. (advantageous)

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a chemical/manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years’ management or production leadership experience.
• Computer literacy, including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• SAP knowledge/experience.

Competencies (skills, knowledge and characteristics)

• Leadership.
• Operational and technical problem-solving.
• Analytical and reasoning skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Emotional intelligence.
• Decision-making.
• Time management and planning.
• Cost and performance management.
• Safety and quality focus.
• Continuous improvement mindset.