Agro-processing Plant Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, is seeking an experienced Agro-processing Plant Manager to oversee operations of a food processing facility. You will drive safe, efficient production from raw materials to packaging, while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in plant management, strong leadership, and a proven track record in budgeting, P&L, and continuous improvement within agro-processing. Relocation support may be available.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in plant management, 3+ in agro-processing/food manufacturing.
• Proven track record in production, quality, safety, and P&L.
• Strong leadership and decision-making with safety/culture focus.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily plant operations and optimize production schedules.
• Oversee quality control and food safety programs (HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Develop and manage the plant budget and control costs.
• Lead and motivate operations staff, supervisors, maintenance.
• Implement preventive maintenance across processing equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regs in Mpumalanga.

Skills

Leadership

Operations Mgmt

Budgeting

Food Safety

HACCP

ISO 22000

P&L

Team Leadership

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Agro-processing Plant Manager to oversee the operations of their food processing facility located in Nelspruit . This leadership role is responsible for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality production of agricultural products. You will manage all aspects of the plant, from raw material intake and processing to finished product packaging and distribution, while adhering to strict food safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong operational, financial, and people management skills, driving continuous improvement and profitability within this crucial sector. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to manage a key operation that adds value to the region's agricultural output.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily plant operations, ensuring efficient production schedules and optimal resource utilization.
• Oversee quality control and food safety programs (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000) to meet regulatory and customer standards.
• Develop and manage the plant budget, controlling operational costs and driving profitability.
• Lead and motivate the plant operations team, including production staff, supervisors, and maintenance personnel.
• Implement and maintain preventative maintenance programs for all processing equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in the Mpumalanga region.

Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in plant management, with at least 3 years in the agro-processing or food manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of managing production, quality, safety, and P&L for a processing plant.
• Strong understanding of food processing technologies, equipment, and quality management systems.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience managing teams and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement in Nelspruit .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and executive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company.
• A critical role in adding value to the region's agricultural produce and contributing to the local economy.