Operations Manager - Food Production

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 129,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Hybrid role

Health and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Impactful role in FMCG sector

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a food production facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This hybrid role combines on-site leadership with remote strategic planning.

You will drive safety, quality, and efficiency across production, with a focus on HACCP/GMP compliance, cost control, and team development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Food Science, or Engineering.
• 7+ years in FMCG food production operations.
• Proven track record improving efficiency.
• Knowledge of HACCP and quality control systems.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Experience with supply chain and inventory management.
• Proficiency in production planning software and MS Office.
• Hybrid work readiness for on-site Queenstown and remote planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations to meet targets and quality standards.
• Develop and implement production schedules to maximize productivity.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene compliance (HACCP, GMP).
• Lead and motivate the production team.
• Monitor costs and implement cost-saving measures.
• Coordinate with supply chain for materials and inventory.
• Identify process improvements and adopt new technologies.
• Maintain equipment and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Prepare operational reports for senior management.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Food safety

Problem solving

Communication

Production planning

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Tools

Production planning software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee their food production facility. This is a hybrid role, offering a structured on-site component in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, combined with remote flexibility for strategic planning and reporting. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the production process, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in food manufacturing operations, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement within the demanding FMCG environment. This position is crucial for optimizing production output, managing resources effectively, and driving operational excellence. You will be tasked with leading a dedicated production team and ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage daily production operations to meet output targets and quality standards within the food production facility.
• Develop and implement efficient production schedules and workflows to maximize productivity and minimize waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations, quality control procedures, and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Manage and motivate the production team, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor production costs and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure timely procurement of raw materials and efficient inventory management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement new technologies or methodologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Maintain equipment and ensure regular maintenance schedules are followed to prevent downtime.
• Prepare operational reports for senior management, providing insights into production performance and areas for development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management, specifically within the FMCG food production industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex production environments and improving operational efficiency.
• In‑depth knowledge of food safety standards and quality control systems (e.g., HACCP).
• Strong leadership, team management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of supply chain and inventory management principles.
• Proficiency in production planning software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on‑site operational oversight with remote strategic activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area for the on‑site component.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and performance‑related bonus structure.
• This hybrid role provides a strategic blend of on‑site leadership and remote planning capabilities.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a growing FMCG organization are available.
• You will be part of a dedicated team committed to producing high-quality food products and ensuring operational excellence.
• This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the company's success and reputation in the food manufacturing sector.