Production Manager – Waste & Recycling 

Reference: HQ001308-Tasmi-1

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Job Title: Production Manager – Waste & Recycling
Department: Operations
Location: Western Cape
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Reports To: Managing Director
Industry: Waste Management & Recycling

About the Company


Our client is an established organisation operating within the waste management and recycling sector, providing efficient and sustainable waste processing and recycling solutions.
The organisation is seeking an experienced Production Manager to take responsibility for the effective management of production, operational processes, people, equipment, safety, quality, and overall site performance.

About the Role


The Production Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day production and operational performance of the waste and recycling facility.
The successful candidate will ensure that production targets are achieved safely and efficiently, while optimising labour, equipment, material flow, productivity, and operating costs. The role requires a hands-on leader who understands recycling and waste-processing environments and can effectively manage operational teams.

Key Responsibilities


Production & Operations Management



  • Manage and oversee daily production and recycling operations.

  • Ensure production targets, volumes, and operational deadlines are achieved.

  • Monitor production processes and identify areas for improvement.

  • Ensure efficient movement, sorting, processing, and handling of recyclable materials.

  • Optimise production workflows and minimise operational downtime.

  • Monitor productivity and implement corrective actions where required.

  • Ensure operational procedures and standards are consistently followed.


People Management



  • Lead, manage, and develop production and operational teams.

  • Allocate labour according to operational requirements.

  • Monitor employee productivity, attendance, and performance.

  • Provide coaching, training, and guidance to supervisors and operational staff.

  • Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

  • Manage disciplinary and performance matters in line with company procedures.


Waste & Recycling Operations



  • Oversee the sorting, processing, recovery, and recycling of waste materials.

  • Ensure recyclable materials are processed efficiently and according to required quality standards.

  • Monitor material recovery rates and minimise waste.

  • Identify opportunities to improve recovery, productivity, and operational efficiency.

  • Ensure proper handling and storage of recyclable and waste materials.

  • Monitor contamination levels and implement corrective measures.


Equipment & Maintenance



  • Ensure production and recycling equipment is operating effectively.

  • Monitor equipment downtime and coordinate maintenance requirements.

  • Work closely with maintenance teams to ensure preventative maintenance is completed.

  • Identify recurring equipment issues and implement solutions to improve reliability.

  • Ensure equipment is operated safely and correctly.


Health, Safety & Environmental



  • Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements.

  • Promote a strong safety culture across the operation.

  • Conduct regular workplace inspections and ensure hazards are addressed.

  • Ensure employees use the required PPE.

  • Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.

  • Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the facility.

  • Ensure waste handling and recycling processes comply with applicable environmental requirements.


Cost & Performance Management



  • Monitor production costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction.

  • Manage labour and operational resources effectively.

  • Monitor production KPIs and prepare regular performance reports.

  • Track productivity, volumes, downtime, waste, recovery rates, and operational costs.

  • Identify opportunities to improve overall operational efficiency.


Continuous Improvement



  • Identify and implement improvements to production processes.

  • Drive productivity and efficiency initiatives.

  • Reduce waste, downtime, and unnecessary operating costs.

  • Implement best practices within waste and recycling operations.

  • Support the development and implementation of operational SOPs.


Minimum Requirements



  • Relevant qualification in Operations Management, Production Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Waste Management, or a related field will be advantageous.

  • 5–8 years' experience in a Production/Operations Management role.

  • Experience within the waste management and/or recycling industry is highly advantageous.

  • Proven experience managing production or operational teams.

  • Experience working in a fast-paced, operational environment.

  • Strong understanding of production processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.

  • Experience managing equipment, maintenance requirements, and operational resources.

  • Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental requirements.

  • Experience with operational reporting and KPI management.

  • Strong computer literacy, including MS Office.

  • Valid driver's licence will be advantageous.


Skills & Competencies



  • Strong leadership and people-management skills.

  • Excellent production and operational planning abilities.

  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

  • Analytical and results-driven approach.

  • Strong understanding of waste and recycling processes.

  • Ability to manage multiple operational priorities.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Commercial and cost-conscious mindset.

  • Ability to work under pressure in a demanding operational environment.

  • Strong attention to detail.

  • Hands-on management approach.


What is on Offer



  • Permanent position within an established waste and recycling operation.

  • Opportunity to take ownership of production and operational performance.

  • Market-related remuneration based on experience and qualifications.

  • Opportunity to contribute to operational efficiency and sustainability within the recycling industry.


How to Apply


Send your CV to: tasmim.cassim@stratogo.com
Please use the subject line: Production Manager – Waste & Recycling 
If you do not receive a response within three weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Duties & Responsibilities







We are committed to locating the ideal job for you, so we kindly advise against paying for this service. There are no costs associated with securing employment with us.

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Monthly
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