About Talent House Ltd

We are a leading recruitment and HR consulting firm that operates as a link between people and companies in achieving a shared purpose. We offer creative, effective and flexible solutions that not only help individuals discover their career paths but provide organisations with talent they can recruit, develop and retain.

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to oversee production and warehouse operations in Kitwe. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and coordinating daily production activities, managing production teams, overseeing material handling and inventory processes, monitoring operational performance, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

The Production Manager will work closely with the General Manager and other departments to ensure production activities are carried out efficiently, safely and in line with customer requirements and set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of the annual production budget and periodic forecasting.
• Develop, implement and adjust daily production schedules to meet customer demands.
• Ensure raw materials are efficiently staged and available to minimise production delays and line downtime.
• Supervise, mentor and evaluate warehouse supervisors, production staff and machinery operators.
• Coordinate shift schedules and cross-training programmes to ensure effective staffing and operational flexibility.
• Oversee material handling, receiving and storage processes.
• Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods to maintain optimal inventory turnover and accurate stock handling.
• Ensure accurate picking, handling and movement of materials and finished goods.
• Monitor production performance and identify operational bottlenecks, variances and areas for improvement.
• Enforce compliance with regulatory standards, company policies and internal health and safety procedures.
• Lead incident investigations and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and audits to promote a safe working environment.
• Utilise Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to track, analyse and report on operational performance.
• Prepare and provide reports on production and operational performance against agreed KPIs.
• Work closely with procurement, stores, sales and other departments to ensure smooth coordination of production and warehouse activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, quality and cost control.
• Maintain accurate production and operational records.
• Ensure production equipment and machinery are properly utilised and maintained.
• Identify operational challenges and recommend appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and accountability at all times.
• Perform any other production and operational duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Production Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a warehouse production, manufacturing or distribution leadership role.
• Experience in production planning, warehouse operations, material handling and inventory management.
• Experience managing and supervising production or warehouse teams.
• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems will be an advantage.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Excel.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Good time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.

Compensation

The incumbent will receive a competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Assist in the preparation of the annual production budget and periodic forecasting.
• Develop, implement and adjust daily production schedules to meet customer demands.
• Ensure raw materials are efficiently staged and available to minimise production delays and line downtime.
• Supervise, mentor and evaluate warehouse supervisors, production staff and machinery operators.
• Coordinate shift schedules and cross-training programmes to ensure effective staffing and operational flexibility.
• Oversee material handling, receiving and storage processes.
• Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods to maintain optimal inventory turnover and accurate stock handling.
• Ensure accurate picking, handling and movement of materials and finished goods.
• Monitor production performance and identify operational bottlenecks, variances and areas for improvement.
• Enforce compliance with regulatory standards, company policies and internal health and safety procedures.
• Lead incident investigations and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and audits to promote a safe working environment.
• Utilise Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to track, analyse and report on operational performance.
• Prepare and provide reports on production and operational performance against agreed KPIs.
• Work closely with procurement, stores, sales and other departments to ensure smooth coordination of production and warehouse activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, quality and cost control.
• Maintain accurate production and operational records.
• Ensure production equipment and machinery are properly utilised and maintained.
• Identify operational challenges and recommend appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and accountability at all times.
• Perform any other production and operational duties as assigned.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Good time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Excel.

• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Production Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a warehouse production, manufacturing or distribution leadership role.
• Experience in production planning, warehouse operations, material handling and inventory management.
• Experience managing and supervising production or warehouse teams.
• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems will be an advantage.