
Production Supervisor
Location
Richards Bay
Company
Mondi Group
Salary
Undisclosed
Job Type
Not specified
Closing date
๐ผ Job Overview
Mondi Group is currently seeking a skilled and motivated Production Supervisor to oversee shift-based operations within its recovery plant in Richards Bay. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating production activities, supervising operational teams, ensuring SHEQ compliance, and maintaining efficient plant performance within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This role requires strong leadership abilities, operational planning skills, and technical knowledge of recovery and evaporator plant processes. The Production Supervisor will support continuous improvement initiatives, monitor plant reliability, manage operational resources, and ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
The position offers excellent long-term career growth opportunities within one of the worldโs leading packaging and paper manufacturing companies.
โ๏ธ Key Responsibilities
The Production Supervisor will be responsible for:
Leading and supervising operational shift teams within the recovery plant
Participating in SHEQ, Gatekeeping, and operational governance meetings
Recommending maintenance improvements, equipment upgrades, and replacements
Planning daily operational activities to optimise manpower, energy, and raw materials
Managing production processes including start-ups, shutdowns, and operational monitoring
Conducting plant checks, logging activities, and analysing operational trends
Responding to abnormal plant conditions and ensuring operational stability
Monitoring employee performance and providing coaching and mentorship
Facilitating on-the-job training and external learning opportunities
Reviewing team structures and adjusting responsibilities where necessary
Ensuring compliance with SHEQ policies and operational procedures
Investigating safety and environmental incidents and implementing corrective actions
Maintaining high housekeeping standards within the operational area
Monitoring Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) observations and safety targets
Managing budgets, overtime, fixed costs, and manpower expenditure
Maintaining strong communication with customers, suppliers, and internal departments
๐ Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
โ
Grade 12 / Matric certificate
โ
N4 Supervisory Management qualification or equivalent leadership training
โ
National Diploma in Pulp and Paper, Chemical Engineering, or relevant Trade Test
โ
Minimum 5 yearsโ experience in recovery and evaporator operations within manufacturing environments
โ Advantageous Qualifications & Experience
BTech in Pulp and Paper or Chemical Engineering
1โ2 yearsโ supervisory or acting supervisory experience
Experience within heavy industrial manufacturing plants
Strong knowledge of SHEQ compliance and plant operations
๐ Skills & Competencies
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
๐ ๏ธ Strong leadership and team management abilities
๐ ๏ธ Excellent operational planning and coordination skills
๐ ๏ธ Technical understanding of manufacturing plant processes
๐ ๏ธ Budget control and production monitoring capabilities
๐ ๏ธ Strong SHEQ and safety management awareness
๐ ๏ธ Effective communication and relationship-building skills
๐ ๏ธ Problem-solving and root cause analysis abilities
๐ ๏ธ Ability to improve operational efficiency and team performance
๐ Benefits
Successful candidates may receive access to:
โ
Health benefits
โ
Learning & Development opportunities
โ
Long-term career growth within a global manufacturing company
โ
Professional development support
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๐ฐ 1. Salary Estimate
Production Supervisors within South Africaโs manufacturing and pulp industries typically earn between R28,000 and R60,000 per month, depending on qualifications, plant complexity, supervisory experience, and operational responsibilities. Professionals working within large industrial companies such as pulp mills, paper manufacturing plants, chemical operations, and heavy production facilities may also receive performance bonuses, medical aid, pension benefits, and training opportunities.
๐ค 2. Interview Tips, Expected Questions & Answers
โ
Interview Tips
1. Understand Manufacturing Processes
Revise recovery plant operations, evaporator systems, and production workflow management.
2. Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Employers want supervisors who can motivate and manage operational teams effectively.
3. Prepare SHEQ Knowledge
Be ready to discuss safety, environmental, and quality management procedures.
4. Highlight Problem-Solving Skills
Provide examples of handling plant disruptions or operational incidents.
5. Research Mondi Group
Learn about the companyโs operations, sustainability goals, and manufacturing environment.
๐Common Interview Questions & Example Answers
1. Describe your supervisory experience.
โ
Example Answer:
โI have experience leading shift teams, coordinating production activities, monitoring safety compliance, and ensuring operational targets are achieved efficiently.โ
2. How do you manage production downtime?
โ
Example Answer:
โI assess the situation quickly, communicate with maintenance teams, prioritise corrective actions, and monitor recovery to minimise operational disruption.โ
3. Why is SHEQ compliance important?
โ
Example Answer:
โSHEQ compliance ensures employee safety, environmental protection, operational reliability, and legal compliance within manufacturing environments.โ
4. How do you motivate employees?
โ
Example Answer:
โI provide clear communication, coaching, recognition, and support while setting achievable performance expectations.โ
5. Why do you want to work for Mondi?
โ
Example Answer:
โMondi is recognised globally for innovation, sustainability, and employee development, making it an excellent environment for long-term career growth.โ
๐ 3. CV Revamp & Job Application Tips
โ
CV Improvement Tips
1. Highlight Supervisory Experience
Clearly mention leadership responsibilities, shift management, and operational oversight.
2. Include Manufacturing Knowledge
List recovery plant, evaporator, pulp, paper, or chemical manufacturing experience.
3. Optimise Your CV for ATS Systems
Use industry keywords such as:
โ Production Supervisor
โ SHEQ Compliance
โ Manufacturing Operations
โ Shift Supervisor
โ Recovery Plant Operations
โ Plant Production Management
โ Chemical Manufacturing
This improves recruiter visibility during online screening.
4. Include Technical Qualifications
Mention Diplomas, Trade Tests, and Supervisory qualifications clearly.
5. Add Measurable Achievements
Include examples of improved productivity, safety performance, or cost savings.
6. Keep Formatting Professional
Use bullet points, consistent dates, and organised sections.
7. Proofread Before Submitting
A professional CV increases interview opportunities significantly.
๐ง Interested applicants can contact:
info@jobskwazulu.co.za
๐งฉ 4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a permanent role?
Yes, this is a permanent Production Supervisor opportunity with Mondi Group.
2. Is supervisory experience required?
Supervisory or acting supervisory experience will be advantageous for applicants.
3. What industry experience is preferred?
Experience within recovery plants, evaporator systems, manufacturing, pulp, paper, or chemical production environments is preferred.
4. Is a diploma required?
Yes. Applicants should hold a National Diploma or relevant Trade qualification.
5. What type of environment will I work in?
The role involves working within a fast-paced industrial manufacturing plant environment.
6. How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through Mondiโs official online recruitment platform.
๐ 5. Career Path & Growth Opportunities
1. Senior Production Supervisor
Senior supervisors manage larger operational teams and multiple production areas. Salaries generally range between R45,000 and R75,000 per month.
2. Operations Superintendent
Operations Superintendents oversee plant-wide production activities and operational planning. Salaries often range from R60,000 to R100,000 monthly.
3. SHEQ Manager
SHEQ Managers focus on safety, environmental compliance, and quality management systems. Salaries typically range between R50,000 and R90,000 per month.
4. Production Manager
Production Managers coordinate overall manufacturing performance, staffing, and productivity targets. Salaries commonly range from R65,000 to R120,000 monthly.
5. Plant Manager
Plant Managers oversee full industrial manufacturing facilities and operational strategies. Salaries can range between R90,000 and R180,000 per month depending on company size and operations.
6. Process Engineer
Process Engineers optimise production systems, plant efficiency, and operational performance. Experienced professionals may earn between R45,000 and R85,000 monthly.
๐ 6. Industry Insights & Job Market Overview
South Africaโs manufacturing and pulp production industry remains a major contributor to industrial employment and economic activity. Large companies within paper production, chemical processing, packaging, and heavy manufacturing continue investing in skilled supervisors capable of managing production efficiency, safety compliance, and operational reliability.
๐ To find similar jobs, these are terms you can search:
production supervisor jobs near me, manufacturing supervisor vacancies, Mondi careers, shift supervisor jobs South Africa, operations supervisor Richards Bay, chemical plant supervisor jobs, industrial production vacancies, paper mill jobs, SHEQ supervisor roles, plant operations supervisor jobs

