Job Description

We are seeking a Production Manager to join the team at

Jessievale Sawmill

(Ermelo / Carolina / Chrissiesmeer area). The Production Manager is responsible for the

overall leadership, coordination and optimisation of the sawmill's production processes

to achieve safe, efficient, and cost-effective conversion of logs into finished timber products.

This role ensures that the

relevant production departments

consistently deliver the required throughput, yield, and quality in line with customer specifications, while maintaining strict compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Production & Performance

Own the daily/weekly production plan; throughput, recovery, grade mix, OEE/uptime and cost per m targets across the relevant production departments. Balance log mix, breakdown patterns and bottlenecks to maximise value from available resource. Track and report KPIs; lead structured shift reviews and variance/root-cause actions (loss trees, 5-Whys).

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality

Ensure full compliance with OHSA and site procedures (permits, isolation/LOTO, housekeeping, incident investigations). Maintain product quality standards and grading accuracy; drive first-time-right and customer spec adherence. Uphold environmental controls (waste, noise, dust, effluent) and legal reporting.

People Leadership

Lead, coach and develop supervisors, operators and support roles; ensure optimal manning, training and succession. Build a high-performance culture with clear standards, feedback, and recognition.

Maintenance & Reliability (in partnership with Maintenance)

Coordinate daily/weekly maintenance windows; prioritise corrective work from operator checks and condition reports. Monitor critical assets (headrig, edger, conveying systems, kilns, planer, fingerjointer, destacker) and escalate reliability risks to Maintenance Manager.

Materials, Inventory & Logistics

Management from log yard call-off and in-process WIP; ensure accurate tracking of raw logs ? finished goods and timely handover to dispatch. Inventory management and stock take

Cost & Compliance Administration

Control variable/fixed costs (consumables, overtime, rework, energy); participate in budgeting and forecast updates. Maintain production records, reports and statutory/Group compliance requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Projects

Lead CI projects (layout improvements, debottlenecking, changeover reduction, yield optimisation, etc.); support capex installation/start-ups.

Desired Experience & Qualification

What You Bring

Grade 12. Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Wood Science, Wood Technology, or Engineering (Industrial preferred). 5-10 years' production management experience in a sawmill/lumber environment, including wetmill and/or drymill streams (debarking, breakdown/edgers, kilns, planer, fingerjointing). Proven leadership of multi-shift production teams with measurable results in throughput, yield, quality, and cost. Strong working knowledge of OHS requirements, lock-out procedures, incident reporting, and environmental compliance in wood processing. Competence in continuous improvement/Lean methodologies (5S, visual management, loss analysis) and basic maintenance coordination (TPM-style). Experience managing raw material flow from log yard to finished goods, including inventory accuracy and logistics hand-offs. Proficiency with production data systems (MES/SCADA, ERP such as SAP) and advanced Excel for KPI tracking and variance analysis. Valid driver's licence; willingness to be on call or cover shifts as required.

What Makes You a Great Fit

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, HSE, and Supply Chain. Experience with Simsaw and/or Profisim production programs. Track record of implementing 5S or other continuous improvement systems to drive operational efficiency. Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate teams, building a high-performance culture and fostering accountability.

Work Environment & Requirements

Based full-time at

Jessievale Sawmill

Must live in or be willing to relocate to

Warburton / near the mill

Strong safety habits and sober working behaviour

Package & Remuneration

We offer a competitive salary with great benefits (medical aid and provident fund)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R45000,00 - R50000,00 per month

Work Location: In person