Assistant Production Manager

Boardroom Appointments; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Boardroom Appointments is seeking an Assistant Production Manager for a fast-paced FMCG plant in Devland. You will lead production teams, drive daily targets, optimise output and uphold high standards of quality and efficiency.

You will monitor KPIs, coordinate maintenance, manage raw materials and inventory, and contribute to waste reduction while ensuring compliance with safety regulations in a high-volume setting.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Production Management, Engineering, Food Technology, or related field.
• Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or HACCP are advantageous.
• 5–8 years in FMCG or beverage manufacturing.
• Minimum of 4 years in a production management or supervisory role.
• Proven success in leading high-volume production teams and achieving operational targets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring output aligns with demand and quality targets.
• Monitor and analyse production KPIs (efficiency, yield, downtime, waste) and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure products meet internal and external quality, food safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with QA and maintenance teams to resolve quality issues and prevent reoccurrence.
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, ISO, and FSSC standards.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to align production and repair priorities.
• Support preventive maintenance schedules and ensure minimal downtime on critical lines.
• Participate in root cause analysis and equipment reliability improvements.
• Oversee raw material usage, ensuring accuracy in reporting and control of wastage.
• Coordinate with warehouse and procurement to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Implement waste reduction and recycling initiatives.
• Enforce OHS Act regulations and company safety procedures.
• Conduct safety audits and ensure all staff comply with PPE and safety protocols.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through continuous engagement and training.

Skills

People leadership

Production management

KPI analysis

Continuous improvement

Education

Degree or Diploma in Production Management

Lean Manufacturing certification

Six Sigma

HACCP certification

Job description

About the job Assistant Production Manager

Purpose

An exciting opportunity exists for an Assistant Production Manager to join a high-performing FMCG manufacturing facility in Devland. This role is ideal for a driven individual who thrives in fast-paced environments and can effectively lead production teams, optimise output, and uphold the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring seamless production operations, driving daily targets, managing performance, and supporting the continuous growth and success of the plant.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily production activities, ensuring output aligns with demand and quality targets.

Monitor and analyse production KPIs (efficiency, yield, downtime, waste) and implement corrective actions.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Ensure products meet internal and external quality, food safety, and regulatory standards.

Collaborate with QA and maintenance teams to resolve quality issues and prevent reoccurrence.

Maintain compliance with HACCP, ISO, and FSSC standards.

Maintenance Coordination

Work closely with maintenance teams to align production and repair priorities.

Support preventive maintenance schedules and ensure minimal downtime on critical lines.

Participate in root cause analysis and equipment reliability improvements.

Inventory & Resource Management

Oversee raw material usage, ensuring accuracy in reporting and control of wastage.

Coordinate with warehouse and procurement to maintain optimal stock levels.

Implement waste reduction and recycling initiatives.

Health, Safety & Environment

Enforce OHS Act regulations and company safety procedures.

Conduct safety audits and ensure all staff comply with PPE and safety protocols.

Promote a proactive safety culture through continuous engagement and training.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree or Diploma in Production Management, Engineering, Food Technology, or related field.

Additional certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or HACCP are advantageous.

5 - 8 years of experience in FMCG or beverage manufacturing.

Minimum of 4 years in a production management or supervisory role.

Proven success in leading high-volume production teams and achieving operational targets.