Falcon, a leader in high-performance agricultural equipment manufacturing, is seeking a hands-on and experienced Factory Manager to join their operations in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. This permanent mid-level position is designed for a technically grounded leader capable of overseeing full factory operations. If you are an artisan by trade with a strong background in production management, resource optimization, and Just-In-Time (JIT) methodologies, Falcon offers a robust platform to drive operational excellence in a world-class manufacturing facility.
Job Overview
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Posted Date: 2025/12/09
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Reference Number: 2154
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Closing Date: 05 January 2026
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Job Level: Mid-Level / Skilled
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Job Type: Permanent
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Location: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
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Salary: Market Related
Role Purpose
The Factory Manager is responsible for the total oversight of the manufacturing facility, ensuring that production is efficient, safe, and meets rigorous quality standards. This is a “boots-on-the-ground” leadership role that requires a balance of technical maintenance oversight and strategic production planning. You will be tasked with ensuring that stock availability aligns with JIT principles while maintaining the integrity of the equipment and buildings. Above all, you will lead a diverse operational team, fostering a culture of discipline, safety, and continuous improvement.
Key Performance Areas & Responsibilities
1. Production Oversight & Optimization
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Full Factory Operation: Manage the end-to-end manufacturing process to ensure peak performance and output.
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JIT Management: Ensure Just-In-Time stock availability to minimize waste and optimize cash flow within the supply chain.
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Resource Optimization: Strategically allocate labor, machinery, and raw materials to maximize efficiency and reduce downtime.
2. Quality, Health & Safety (SHEQ)
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Quality Standards: Enforce strict quality control protocols to ensure every product leaving the factory meets Falcon’s brand reputation.
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Safety Compliance: Uphold rigorous Health and Safety standards, ensuring the facility complies with all South African occupational legislation.
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Maintenance: Oversee the preventative and corrective maintenance of factory equipment and the physical building infrastructure.
3. Leadership & People Management
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Performance Management: Drive a high-performance culture through clear goal setting and regular performance appraisals.
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Training & Mentorship: Identify skill gaps and implement training initiatives to upskill the workforce.
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Succession Planning: Develop future leaders within the factory to ensure long-term operational stability.
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Disciplined Leadership: Maintain high levels of industrial relations and workplace discipline through effective communication.
4. Continuous Improvement
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Process Enhancement: Identify inefficiencies in the production line and implement Lean or Six Sigma-based continuous improvement initiatives.
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Planning: Lead the production planning cycle to align with seasonal agricultural demands.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
To be considered for this professional factory leadership role in Howick, candidates must meet the following:
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Education: NQF Level 6 qualification (Diploma or Advanced Certificate).
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Technical Foundation: A completed Artisan Apprenticeship with a valid Trade Test certificate is essential.
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Experience: * At least 3 years of production experience in a manufacturing environment.
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A minimum of 3 years in a managerial/supervisory role with direct reports.
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Skills: Strong analytical skills, production planning expertise, and a “hands-on” approach to troubleshooting.
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Background Check: A consumer credit record will be requested due to the financial responsibilities of the role.
Core Competencies
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Operational Excellence: A deep understanding of production metrics and optimization techniques.
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Technical Savvy: Ability to understand complex machinery and maintenance schedules.
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Leadership Resilience: The ability to lead a large team under high-pressure production deadlines.
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Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication for reporting and staff briefings.
Why Join the Falcon Team?
Falcon is a premier brand in the agricultural sector, known for durability and innovation. Joining the Howick facility offers:
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Strategic Leadership: The autonomy to run a full factory operation.
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Permanent Stability: A long-term career path in a thriving industrial hub.
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Transformation Focus: We are committed to transformation; candidates from designated groups will enjoy preference in alignment with our Equity Plan.
How to Apply
If you meet the technical requirements and have the leadership drive to keep Falcon’s factory at peak performance, please register and apply on the official group careers portal:
Official Apply Link: Factory Manager – Falcon Howick
Explore More Manufacturing & Engineering Careers
Looking for other factory manager, production supervisor, or engineering roles in KwaZulu-Natal? Explore these resources:
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Latest Manufacturing and Engineering Jobs in Howick & Pietermaritzburg
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The Professional Guide to Lean Manufacturing and JIT Success
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