Plastics Production Foreman

JOB DESCRIPTION: PLASTICS PRODUCTION FOREMAN

1. Position Details

Job Title: Plastics Production Foreman
Department: Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Production Manager
Supervises: Plastics Production Operators, Mixing and Weighing Operators, and other assigned production personnel
Location: Plastics Manufacturing Division

2. Job Purpose

To supervise and coordinate daily plastics production activities to ensure that production targets are achieved efficiently, safely, and in accordance with approved production schedules, product specifications, formulations, quality standards, and company procedures.

The Plastics Production Foreman is responsible for the effective utilisation of employees, machinery, raw materials, and production time while minimising scrap, downtime, material wastage, and quality defects.

3. Key Responsibilities3.1 Production Planning and Execution

• Implement daily production schedules and allocate tasks to production employees.
• Ensure that the correct products, moulds, raw materials, formulations, and production instructions are used.
• Monitor machine output, cycle times, production rates, and downtime.
• Ensure that production targets are achieved according to the production plan.
• Coordinate production changeovers and ensure machines are prepared for the next job.
• Report production delays, breakdowns, shortages, and other operational problems to management.
• Ensure that production records and job cards are completed accurately.

3.2 Staff Supervision and Management

• Allocate duties and supervise production operators and mixing and weighing personnel.
• Monitor attendance, punctuality, discipline, and adherence to working hours.
• Ensure employees follow approved work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Train employees in correct production methods, equipment operation, and safe working practices.
• Monitor employee performance and provide feedback to the Production Supervisor.
• Maintain good communication, teamwork, and productivity within the production team.
• Escalate disciplinary matters and staffing shortages in accordance with company procedures.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Experience in plastics manufacturing, preferably injection moulding, extrusion or a related plastics process.
• Previous experience supervising production employees.
• Knowledge of raw material handling, mixing, weighing, and production documentation.
• Basic understanding of production planning, quality control, scrap management, and stock control.
• Computer literacy and the ability to complete production reports and job cards.

Additional technical training in plastics processing, quality management, health and safety, or production supervision will be advantageous.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Leadership and staff supervision.
• Production planning and coordination.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Attention to detail and material traceability.
• Understanding of production processes and machine operation.
• Effective communication and shift handover.
• Time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under production pressure.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Experience:

• Plastics Production: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person