Head of Operations - Food Processing & Quality

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a processing plant in Queenstown, SA. You will drive production efficiency, lead a diverse team, and uphold food safety standards such as HACCP and ISO. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, safety, and continuous improvement.

You will manage schedules, inventory, and costs while ensuring quality; a Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years in similar roles are preferred, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, food science, agricultural engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years in operations management, preferably in food or agricultural processing.
• Experience leading production facilities and operational teams; strong quality control & regulatory knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Experience with production planning, inventory management and cost control.
• Proficiency with MS Office and processing software is advantageous.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards; valid driver’s license and eligible to work in SA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the agricultural processing plant, ensuring smooth and efficient production cycles.
• Manage production schedules, staffing, and resource allocation to meet output targets and quality standards.
• Implement quality control measures and food safety protocols (HACCP, ISO) to ensure product integrity.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of supervisors and line workers with a focus on safety and productivity.
• Monitor costs, identify savings opportunities, and implement efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished goods with procurement and logistics.
• Troubleshoot production issues and coordinate corrective actions promptly.
• Maintain plant equipment and scheduling of maintenance and repairs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to boost performance and reduce waste.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Quality control

Cost control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related

Tools

MS Office

Processing software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a processing plant in Queenstown, SA. You will drive production efficiency, lead a diverse team, and uphold food safety standards such as HACCP and ISO. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, safety, and continuous improvement.

You will manage schedules, inventory, and costs while ensuring quality; a Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years in similar roles are preferred, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills.