Production Supervisor – Industrial Refrigeration Manufacturing

The Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations within an production facility. This role ensures that production activities are completed safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards, while meeting production schedules and customer delivery requirements.

The Production Supervisor leads production personnel,coordinates workflow between departments, monitors manufacturing performance, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.

Production Supervisor – Industrial Refrigeration Manufacturing
Location: Western Cape
Salary: Market Related

About the Role

A well-established manufacturing company in the industrial refrigeration sector is seeking an experienced Production Supervisor to oversee daily workshop operations and lead a skilled production team.

This role is suited to a hands-on manufacturing professional with strong leadership abilities and experience supervising fabrication, welding, piping and mechanical assembly operations. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards while driving continuous improvement across the workshop.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Supervise daily workshop manufacturing activities.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved within deadlines.
• Monitor production output and optimise workflow.
• Allocate labour and workshop resources effectively.
• Ensure customer delivery commitments are met.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop production personnel.
• Conduct performance management and employee training.
• Promote teamwork, accountability and positive employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

Quality Control

• Ensure manufactured products meet engineering specifications and quality standards.
• Inspect fabrication, welding, piping and assembly activities.
• Work closely with Quality Control to resolve non-conformances.
• Support factory acceptance testing and quality audits.

Health & Safety

• Maintain compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Conduct toolbox talks and workplace inspections.
• Perform risk assessments and investigate incidents.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the workshop.

Production Planning

• Coordinate with Engineering, Procurement, Stores and Quality departments.
• Review engineering drawings, bills of materials and production plans.
• Monitor material availability and production milestones.
• Assist with production forecasting and capacity planning.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Improve productivity, efficiency and cost control.
• Identify process improvements and waste reduction opportunities.
• Recommend equipment and process enhancements.

Equipment & Workshop Management

• Ensure machinery and equipment remain operational.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance.
• Maintain workshop housekeeping standards.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of production materials.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, Production Management or a related technical qualification.
• Supervisory or management training advantageous.
• 5–10 years' manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience supervising production teams.
• Experience within Industrial Refrigeration Manufacturing is highly advantageous.
• Experience in HVAC manufacturing, pressure vessels, steel fabrication, piping systems or mechanical manufacturing will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of welding, fabrication and assembly processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Good Microsoft Office skills.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and 5S principles.

Required Competencies

• Strong leadership ability
• Excellent organisational skills
• Problem solving and decision making
• High attention to detail
• Quality driven
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Results orientated
• Continuous improvement mindset