Production & Operations Manager (Industrial Manufacturing)

Job description

Overview

Our client, in the industrial manufacturing sector, is looking for a Production and Operations Manager to join their team in Lusaka.

If you are interested or would like to know more, please click the link below.

Position Summary

Our client is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Production & Operations Manager to lead and optimize all operational activities across our Lusaka-based business units — with a strong emphasis on factory oversight and facilities management. This leadership role is responsible for managing end-to-end factory operations, production efficiency, quality assurance, resource planning, facilities maintenance, and safety compliance.

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in factory operations management, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive productivity, manage logistics, and align factory output with broader business objectives. This role is suited to a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced, service-oriented environments — particularly within industrial, automotive, or technical production sectors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Factory & Production Oversight

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the factory, including production planning, scheduling, and output management.

Ensure production targets are achieved efficiently, cost-effectively, and to established quality standards.

Implement & monitor factory KPIs, identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and implement process improvements.

Adhere to daily & monthly production & material consumption reporting cadence and action deviations accordingly.

Enforce workplace safety protocols, maintenance schedules, and compliance with statutory regulations.

2. Facilities Management & Maintenance

Manage all aspects of facilities maintenance to ensure factory, warehouse, and office premises are safe, functional, compliant & properly maintained.

Coordinate with maintenance teams and external contractors to schedule preventive maintenance and repairs.

Oversee utilities management and infrastructure upkeep to minimize operational disruptions.

3. General Operational Leadership

Coordinate operations across multiple departments, including workshop services, logistics, warehousing, and administration.

Develop and implement standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency and scalability.

Drive performance through data-backed decision-making and ongoing process optimization.

4. Stock Truck Inventory & Logistics Management

Oversee stock truck inventory, including tracking, maintenance schedules, and availability for operational needs.

Manage logistics activities related to stock trucks, ensuring timely and cost-effective movement of trucks from port to warehouse and from warehouse to customer. Drive the registration process for newly sold trucks.

Coordinate with transport and logistics teams to optimize vehicle deployment and reduce downtime.

5. Warehouse Operations Support

Assist warehouse teams with day-to-day operations to ensure efficient receiving, storage, and dispatch of materials.

Collaborate on inventory accuracy, space utilization, and stock movement processes.

Support continuous improvement initiatives within warehouse operations.

6. Team & People Management

Lead, mentor, and develop production, operational, and maintenance teams to achieve high performance and accountability.

Foster a culture of safety, discipline, ownership, and teamwork across all operational units.

Oversee workforce planning, training programs, recruitment, and performance evaluations.

7. Supply Chain & Inventory Oversight

Manage inventory control, raw material planning, and procurement activities to support uninterrupted production.

Collaborate with procurement and vendor teams to optimize supply lead times and material availability.

Ensure inventory accuracy, minimize waste, and support effective working capital management.

Ensure all factory waste and unused material is disposed of correctly, according to agreed procedures and ensure compliance to environmental standards.

8. Quality Control & Compliance

Implement and enforce quality control systems across factory and field operations.

Ensure full compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental standards.

Lead audits, manage incident investigations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

9. Budgeting & Cost Control

Assist in the preparation and management of factory and operational budgets.

Monitor and report on cost performance, identifying opportunities for savings and efficiency.

Provide regular updates to senior leadership on factory output, profitability, and resource utilization.

10. Customer Service & Stakeholder Collaboration

Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure production meets customer expectations.

Guarantee factory outputs align with service quality benchmarks and delivery timelines.

Support business development efforts by coordinating operational inputs for new projects or contracts.

Candidate Profile

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and operational execution abilities.

Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach.

Excellent interpersonal, decision-making, and organizational skills.

High level of resilience, adaptability, and attention to detail.

Commercially focused with a proactive, results-driven mindset.

Technical Skills & Experience

5–7 years of experience in operations management, including at least 3 years in a factory or industrial production environment.

Proven ability to manage factory workflows, teams, equipment, and output.

Experience in facilities management and maintenance coordination.

Solid track record in process optimization, efficiency tracking, and workforce leadership.

Strong knowledge of stock truck inventory management and logistics coordination.

Experience supporting warehouse operations.

In-depth understanding of inventory control, supply chain coordination, and production scheduling.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and familiar with ERP or operational systems.

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Production Management highly advantageous.

Valid driver’s license required.

Additional Requirements

Willingness to travel locally or regionally as required.

Availability for after-hours or weekend support when needed.

Strong commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.