Production Supervisor in Cambridge

Substrate Biochar is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) company based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We convert sustainably sourced biomass into biochar through pyrolysis, locking carbon away for the long term while creating a valuable product for agriculture, land rehabilitation and construction. Our first production facility is at Paddock, near Port Shepstone. As an early-stage, growing business, we are building a pioneering operation with real climate impact and a hands-on, collaborative team.

The Production Supervisor is responsible for the safe, reliable day-to-day operation of the Paddock pyrolysis facility. Working under the Operations Director, the role oversees production activities, the operating team, and on-site processes to ensure consistent biochar output that meets quality and carbon-removal standards. As an early-stage site, responsibilities will evolve as the plant scales, and the Production Supervisor is expected to be hands-on and adaptable.

• Supervise daily production operations, including feedstock handling, pyrolysis, and biochar output.
• Lead and coordinate the on-site production team, allocating tasks and managing shifts.
• Monitor equipment performance and ensure routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting are carried out.
• Uphold health, safety, and environmental standards across all site activities.
• Maintain accurate production records, logs, and data needed for quality and carbon-credit reporting.
• Support quality control to ensure output meets product and certification requirements.
• Escalate operational, technical, or safety issues to the Operations Director as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement as processes and the site develop.

• 3 to 5 years’ experience in a production, plant, or manufacturing environment, ideally in a supervisory capacity.
• Practical, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving ability.
• Sound understanding of health and safety practices in an industrial setting.
• Good organisational and team-coordination skills.
• Comfortable recording and working with operational data.
• Exposure to pyrolysis, biochar, biomass, or process plant operations is an advantage but not essential.