https://impacthr.simplify.hr/vacancy/srxeeo
Senior Manufacturing and Quality Leadership Opportunity at Impact HR
Impact HR is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Factory Technical Manager to join a leading manufacturing operation based in Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, on a permanent basis. This mid-senior level role is ideal for a technically strong leader with deep expertise in chemical or paint manufacturing, quality control systems, and laboratory management.
The position plays a critical role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality products, full compliance with technical specifications, and continuous improvement across quality, process, and production systems.
About the Role
The Factory Technical Manager is responsible for leading all technical and quality-related activities within the manufacturing facility. The role ensures that raw materials and manufactured products meet defined quality standards before release to market and that all laboratory, testing, and quality processes operate efficiently and accurately.
This position requires strong leadership, advanced technical knowledge, data-driven decision-making, and close collaboration with Research & Development, Production, Procurement, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control and Product Compliance
The successful candidate will ensure that all raw materials and manufactured products are tested timeously and comply with quality control specifications as defined by Research & Development. This includes oversight of test result capturing, sample inventory management, and timely release of process orders from quality inspection.
The role also includes ensuring traceability of all quality records, including test results, retained samples, batch cards, and related documentation.
Technical Oversight and Continuous Improvement
The Factory Technical Manager will be responsible for addressing technical issues raised by Axalta, aligning new recipes for the SB manufacturing plant, and analysing batch amendment trends to recommend permanent formulation improvements.
The role involves conducting root cause analysis on non-conforming trends, customer complaints, and KPI deviations, as well as initiating and coordinating product recalls when required.
Laboratory and Equipment Management
The role includes ensuring that QC laboratory facilities meet high housekeeping and process standards, that equipment and consumables are calibrated and maintained, and that standards, reference materials, and databases are correctly managed.
The Manager will coordinate the creation and release of batch test certificates in line with agreed specifications and timelines.
Data Analysis, Reporting, and SAP Administration
The position requires monitoring and reporting daily, weekly, and monthly QC statistics, compiling data from SAP or equivalent systems, analysing trends, and providing actionable insights to the Head of Technical and Site Management.
Responsibilities also include managing timekeeping information on the SAP Time and Attendance module, including exceptions and overtime.
Staff Leadership and Development
The Factory Technical Manager will monitor staff performance, provide coaching and support, and ensure that team objectives are achieved. The role places strong emphasis on people development, empowerment, and performance through others.
Contributing to QC laboratory budgeting and supporting strategic efficiency initiatives also form part of the role.
Supplier and Customer Liaison
The role includes liaising with Procurement to provide feedback to suppliers on non-conforming raw materials and coordinating the investigation and resolution of customer complaints within defined timeframes using the HEAT system.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:
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BSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (MSc advantageous)
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Minimum 5 years’ experience in a chemical or paint laboratory environment
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At least 3 years’ management or supervisory experience, including formulation exposure
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Strong knowledge of paint formulation and paint manufacturing processes
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Experience using SPC (Statistical Process Control) for process improvement
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Strong understanding of quality and operational management systems
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Advanced MS Excel and MS Word skills
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Proficiency in operating QC and colour equipment, software, and processes
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Experience working with SAP or equivalent systems
Skills and Professional Attributes
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
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Strong technical leadership and decision-making capability
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Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
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High attention to detail and quality focus
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Strong communication and technical report-writing ability
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Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills
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Ability to work independently and under pressure
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Results-focused approach with strong accountability
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High emotional intelligence and people management capability
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Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
Working Environment and Employment Details
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Position Type: Permanent
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Company: Impact HR
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Location: Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
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Industry: Manufacturing
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Job Functional Area: Manufacturing / Technical
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Minimum Experience Level: Mid-Senior
Apply for Factory Technical Manager – PE
Candidates who meet the above requirements and are ready to lead technical excellence within a manufacturing environment are encouraged to submit their applications.
Applications can be submitted via the platform below:
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If you do not receive feedback after applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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