Operations Manager - Agricultural Processing

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

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural processing company, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Operations Manager to oversee their processing facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This crucial role involves managing all aspects of plant operations, ensuring efficient production, maintaining high-quality standards, and promoting a safe working environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food or agricultural processing operations, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of operational efficiency and quality control. This position requires a hands‑on approach to management, with a focus on optimizing production processes and leading a diverse operational team. We are looking for a results-oriented professional committed to driving operational excellence and contributing to the company's success in the vital agricultural sector of South Africa .

Key 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 and enforce stringent quality control measures and food safety protocols (e.g., HACCP, ISO) to ensure product integrity.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of production supervisors and line workers, fostering a culture of safety and productivity.
• Monitor operational costs, identify areas for cost reduction, and implement efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the plant.
• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished goods, working closely with procurement and logistics teams.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions promptly.
• Maintain plant equipment and machinery, overseeing maintenance schedules and repairs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and reduce waste.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operations management, preferably within the agricultural or food processing industry.
• Proven experience in managing production facilities and leading operational teams.
• Strong understanding of quality control systems, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience with production planning, inventory management, and cost control.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with relevant processing software is advantageous.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and possess a valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company are provided. The company fosters a supportive and safety-conscious work environment, emphasizing teamwork and dedication. This role offers a chance to lead operations in a key agricultural region of South Africa , contributing directly to the food supply chain.