Production Manager

Job Description : Production Manager Location: Nairobi, Kenya Industry: Vehicle Body Design, Fabrication & Repair (Buses, Trucks & Special Purpose Vehicles) Experience Required: 20 years of relevant experience Reporting To: Operations Head Position Overview The Production Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling the entire production process for vehicle body manufacturing and repair operations. The role requires strong expertise in metal fabrication, welding, body building, structural design, quality control, and production efficiency, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality and safety standards. Key Responsibilities Production Planning & Control ? Plan, organize, and manage end-to-end production operations for bus and truck body building, fabrication, and repair. ? Develop production schedules, allocate manpower, machinery, and materials effectively. ? Monitor daily production output and ensure adherence to timelines and delivery commitments. ? Optimize workflows to improve productivity, efficiency, and cost control. Design & Fabrication Coordination ? Coordinate with design, engineering, and drafting teams for vehicle body designs and modifications. ? Ensure drawings, specifications, and bill of materials are correctly implemented on the shop floor. ? Oversee fabrication processes including cutting, bending, welding, assembly, and finishing. Quality Assurance & Compliance ? Ensure all production activities meet quality standards, customer specifications, and statutory regulations. ? Implement and monitor quality control checks at each stage of production. ? Reduce rework, wastage, and defects through continuous process improvement. ? Ensure compliance with safety standards, welding codes, and fabrication norms. Team Leadership & Workforce Management ? Lead, mentor, and supervise production supervisors, foremen, technicians, welders, and helpers. ? Conduct skill development, performance monitoring, and productivity assessments. ? Maintain discipline, safety awareness, and teamwork across the shop floor. Maintenance & Asset Management ? Ensure proper maintenance of machines, tools, jigs, fixtures, and fabrication equipment. ? Coordinate preventive maintenance to minimize downtime. ? Recommend upgrades or procurement of machinery when required. Cost Control & Reporting ? Control production costs including materials, labour, scrap, and overheads. ? Prepare and submit production reports, MIS, and KPI dashboards to management. ? Support budgeting and cost estimation for new projects and tenders. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) ? Enforce strict adherence to workplace safety, PPE usage, and HSE policies. ? Ensure safe handling of materials, equipment, and hazardous processes. ? Investigate and prevent accidents and near-miss incidents. Key Skills & Competencies ? Strong knowledge of vehicle body building, fabrication, and repair processes ? Expertise in welding techniques (MIG, ARC, TIG), structural fabrication, and sheet metal work ? Proven ability in production planning, manpower management, and process optimization ? Strong leadership and decision-making skills ? Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications ? Good knowledge of quality systems and safety practices ? Excellent problem-solving and communication skills Qualifications ? Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, or related field ? Certification in welding, fabrication, or production management will be an added advantage Experience ? 10–20 years of hands-on experience in vehicle body building, fabrication, or heavy engineering ? Minimum 5 years in a senior supervisory or production management role ? Prior experience with bus and truck body manufacturing is mandatory Preferred Candidate Profile ? Experience working in automotive body building or commercial vehicle fabrication ? Exposure to African or Middle East manufacturing environments is an advantage ? Strong understanding of cost control and operational efficiency

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