About the Role
Podhaus is looking for an exceptional Operations, Manufacturing & Projects Manager to lead and continuously improve every aspect of our manufacturing and project delivery operations.
This is a senior leadership position responsible for turning sales into successful projects. You will oversee procurement, supplier relationships, production planning, manufacturing, quantity surveying, project scheduling, logistics, site installations, quality control, and operational performance.
You'll manage multiple departments while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
This is not a desk-only management role. We are looking for someone who enjoys being on the factory floor, solving problems, building systems, coaching teams, and taking complete ownership of operations.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Production
- Lead the manufacturing of luxury pods, garden studios, saunas and modular structures
- Develop and maintain production schedules to maximise factory efficiency
- Manage factory supervisors and production teams
- Continuously improve manufacturing processes, productivity and quality
- Ensure projects move smoothly between departments
- Oversee equipment maintenance and workshop organisation
- Drive lean manufacturing and operational improvements
Project Management
- Take ownership of projects from contract award through to final handover
- Develop project programmes and construction schedules
- Coordinate manufacturing, logistics and installation teams
- Monitor project budgets, timelines and milestones
- Identify risks before they become problems
- Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget
- Maintain clear communication with clients and internal teams
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Source and negotiate with suppliers
- Build long-term supplier relationships
- Obtain competitive quotations
- Manage purchasing and procurement schedules
- Ensure materials arrive on time to prevent production delays
- Monitor supplier performance and quality
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality
Quantity Surveying & Cost Control
- Prepare accurate material take-offs from drawings
- Cost new projects and variations
- Monitor project expenditure against budgets
- Reduce waste through accurate planning
- Review manufacturing costs and improve profitability
- Assist with pricing and estimating future projects
Operations Management
- Develop systems and processes that improve efficiency
- Monitor operational KPIs
- Allocate labour across projects
- Coordinate transport, deliveries and installations
- Manage inventory and stock control
- Improve workflow between design, procurement, manufacturing and site teams
- Implement scalable operational systems as the business grows
Leadership
- Lead, mentor and develop factory and site teams
- Conduct regular planning and production meetings
- Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Ensure high standards of workmanship across every project
- Resolve operational challenges quickly and effectively
- Lead by example through professionalism and integrity
Quality & Safety
- Maintain exceptional quality standards throughout manufacturing and installation
- Implement quality assurance procedures
- Conduct inspections during production and on-site installations
- Ensure compliance with company safety procedures
- Promote a clean, organised and safe working environment
Requirements
Essential
- 5+ years' experience in construction, manufacturing, production, or operations management
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams
- Strong project management skills
- Experience with procurement and supplier negotiations
- Ability to read architectural and manufacturing drawings
- Quantity surveying or estimating experience
- Excellent organisational and planning ability
- Strong financial awareness and cost management skills
- Confident decision-maker with excellent problem-solving ability
- Valid driver's licence and own reliable vehicle
- Willingness to travel to project sites when required
Highly Advantageous
- Experience in modular construction, prefabricated buildings, timber construction, light steel framing or manufacturing
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies
- Experience implementing operational systems and processes
- Strong understanding of Microsoft Excel and project management software
- Experience managing multiple large projects simultaneously
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who naturally takes ownership. Someone who spots problems before they happen, builds systems that make the business more efficient, and enjoys leading people toward a common goal.
You'll be trusted to make important operational decisions, improve the way we manufacture, reduce costs, strengthen supplier relationships, and ensure every Podhaus project leaves the factory to an exceptional standard.
If you're the type of person who thrives on responsibility, enjoys building high-performing teams, and wants to play a key leadership role in a fast-growing company, we'd love to hear from you.
This role is intentionally positioned above a typical Project Manager. It should appeal to experienced operations leaders from modular construction, manufacturing, steel fabrication, joinery, or high-end residential construction who are ready to take ownership of an entire delivery function.
Pay: R18 000,00 - R28 000,00 per month
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a car?
- We need our employees to occasionally travel to site for extended periods of time. Is this possible for you? (Example, two months in the Cederberg, with the occasional weekend back in Cape Town)
- What is your salary expectation?
- What are your hobbies and passions?
- Please provide your LinkedIn Profile.
License/Certification:
- drivers license? (Required)
Work Location: In person
