Production Manager at CFAO Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

This role is responsible for managing overall production operations and is responsible for the effective and successful management of labor, productivity, quality control and safety measures as established and set for the Production Department. The role also enhances the operational procedure, systems and principles in the areas of information flow and management, business processes, enhanced management reporting and looks for opportunities to expand systems.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB

• Overall responsibility for Production activities in the department
• Ensure that production strategies and processes are aligned to the overall factory strategy to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets and which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market
• Evaluate the challenges faced in the production areas and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
• Initiate and develop creative and innovative production processes
• Lead, develop and implement variable cost productivity programs across all areas of responsibility
• Coordinate team activities to optimize cost performance of the plant through capital investment programs, optimizing operating working capital usage and minimizing waste through the development of a continuous improvement culture encompassing lean principles and clear strategic development
• Plan and execute maintenance activity to ensure plant is kept safe and compliant
• Provide design for assembly input at early stages in the new model introduction process, coordinating with and supporting the project / process team to implement new and revised designs and developing effective processes to ensure assembly of new models while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards and achieving cost targets
• Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing and quality standards and procedures are adhered to
• Provide leadership to departments under control and coach, mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions
• Set department Balanced Scorecard objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance
• Ensure strong communication between teams under leadership to facilitate exchange of information and in order to implement change and improvements
• Complete regular performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues and procedures as appropriate
• Prepare the annual production budget and forecasts and all Capital Expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards. Manage the budget from identification to completion of projects
• Proactively work with product line management, engineering, process and other departments to incorporate best practices into the production environment
• Report on production activities on a regular basis to the Senior Management team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators
• Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on production activities
• Review the use of technological systems that support a more environmentally friendly approach
• Support, comply and ensure complicity with Health & Safety regulations, the Company Handbook, Quality and Environmental standards, and all other Company policies and procedures
• Inspire and motivate the team
• And any other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum level of academic and professional qualification required to perform effectively in the role
• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field from a recognized institution.
• Strong understanding of assembly processes, mechanical systems, and automotive manufacturing techniques.
• Minimum level of experience required to perform effectively in the role
• 7+ years of relevant experience from a recognized organization.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal customers

• General Manager
• Production Managers
• Logistics Managers
• Paint shop Managers
• Bodyshop Manager
• Finance department
• Human Resource Department

External Customers

• Customers
• Dealers
• Service providers
• Special Product developers
• OEMs

COMPETENCIES

Technical

• Computer Literacy
• Automotive Technical knowledge
• Total production management
• Basic HR knowledge
• Knowledge of assembly standards

Functional

• Report writing skills
• Presentation skills
• Communication skills

Behavioral

• Business Acumen – Knows how business works; knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology and information affecting the business; knows the competition; is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace
• Strategic agility – Sees ahead clearly; can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately; has broad knowledge and perspective; is future oriented; can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans; can articulately paint credible pictures and visions of possibilities and likelihoods
• Perspective – Looks toward the broadest possible view of an issue/challenge; has broad-ranging personal and business interests and pursuits; can easily pose future scenarios; can discuss multiple aspects and impacts of issues and project them into the future
• Technical learning – Is good at learning new industry, company, product or technical knowledge
• Quality decisions – Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of your solutions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time
• Problem solving – Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; is excellent at honest feedback; looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at the first answers; probes all fruitful sources for answers
• Interpersonal skills – Is self-aware, and has ability to relate with people across all levels of seniority as appropriate, to ensure achievement of personal targets
• Organisational positioning skills – Understanding of organisation structure both formal and informal, is sensitive to how people and organisations function; politics as a necessary part of organisational life and works to adjust to that reality.
• Energy and drive – Has speed and agility;  taking quick and timely action; seizes more opportunities than others, pursues everything with energy, drive and a need to finish; seldom gives up before finishing especially in the face of resistance or setbacks
• Integrity and trust – Trusted individuals who can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner, keeps confidence, admits mistakes, does not misrepresent themselves for personal gain.