Welding Foreman

Introduction AFRIT is one of the most respected and innovative trailer manufacturers in Africa. With more than 50 years experience in the industry. AFRIT has a solid reputation of being competitive, innovative, and at the forefront of industry. A highly advanced infrastructure, coupled with a constant drive for expansion has allowed AFRIT to become the preferred trailer supplier for all leading transport and logistics companies within the southern hemisphere.

 

The Welding Foreman is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all welding‑related production activities within a high‑volume trailer manufacturing plant. This role ensures that welded components and assemblies are produced safely, efficiently, and in accordance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and production schedules. The Foreman leads and supervises welders, assistants, and support staff; manages workflow and resource allocation; and ensures adherence to welding procedures, health and safety requirements, and manufacturing best practices. The position plays a critical role in maintaining consistent output by planning daily welding operations, monitoring productivity, resolving bottlenecks, and coordinating closely with Production Planning, Quality Assurance, Logistics, and Maintenance. The Foreman is accountable for ensuring welding processes are correctly applied (including MIG, TIG, ARC, structural welding, jigs/fixtures, and trailer‑specific assemblies), maintaining equipment readiness, and promoting continuous improvement. Ultimately, the purpose of the role is to deliver high‑quality welded structures on time, optimise labour and material use, and support the plant’s operational targets.

Duties & Responsibilities Supervise the various departmental production activities by planning, organizing, leading and controlling.

Conduct capacity planning and process optimization to maintain production adherence.

Ensure adherence to the production schedule and achievement of targets. Upgrade and maintain the high-speed schedule on a daily base.

Overseeing the employee workforce in the department.

Managing scheduling for maximum workforce efficiency.

Acting as a liaison between management and workers.

Manage and oversee the warehousing and distribution of components which are used in the production process through the different Warehouses.

Monitor continuous, timeous and effective material provision to ensure continuous production.

Establish the levels of staff required to achieve production outputs.

Manage staff requirements and direct the production team effectively.

Organize, monitor and control staff, shifts and overtime.

Monitor Administrative activities such as Overtime, discipline, attendance of staff.

Sign off on weekly clock- cards that has been calculated and completed by the Administrator.

Ensure effective disciplinary and grievance proses-flow Enforce adherence to legal requirements and Afrit policies, operating procedures, and practice code.

Ensure that all machines and equipment’s are up to working standards.

Ensure all tools are available to perform the required work, are maintained and tool checks are performed on every shift.

Organize and set priorities for efficient use of equipment and labour.

Ensure all equipment and machines are placed in the right place when not used. 

Check all workshop equipment for condition and accuracy of diagnosis.

Ensure that the work area is free from hazards and hazardous activities.

Ensure that all personnel have the correct PPE.

Ensure implementation of SHE standards and policies and recommend any improvements.

Maintain standards of health and safety, hygiene and security.

Ensure that housekeeping rules are adhered to within the store area and production area.

Undertake responsibility for non-production within the production area.

Prepare and evaluate annual area process plans.

Be aware of, and communicate to superior, any potential or actual failures to meet service level requirements.

Daily green meetings with crew.

Arrange meetings, prepare and communicate reports, and liaise with other production areas. 

Maintain effective liaison with all other departmental managers where required.

Desired Experience & Qualification Grade 12 and Tertiary Qualification in Production Management and/or Operations

Trade Tested in Welding, Boilermaking, Vehicle Body building or similar.

5+ years Manufacturing and/or Trailer Industry experience

5+ years Supervisory Experience

In-depth knowledge of welding, production and manufacturing processes.

Business planning, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, delegation, and time management.

Computer Literacy: MS Office (essential)