Blending Plant Manager, Durban

Mirna Butler Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client in Durban seeks an experienced Blender Plant Manager to oversee daily fertiliser blending operations, maintain quality and ensure health and safety compliance. You will lead a production team, optimise schedules, manage stock and coordinate with procurement, logistics and management to support growth in the agricultural sector.

The role requires strong leadership, hands-on operations experience, and a solid understanding of fertiliser processes.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate
• A relevant qualification in Production Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Agriculture, Chemical Processing or related field would be advantageous
• Minimum 5 years' experience in fertiliser blending or related production environment
• Experience managing or supervising a production/blending plant
• Experience managing production employees and teams
• Understanding of fertiliser blending processes, raw materials and production procedures
• Experience with stock control and plant maintenance coordination
• Knowledge of OHS requirements in industrial settings
• Computer literacy (MS Office and ERP systems)

Responsibilities

• Manage daily fertiliser blending plant operations and production schedule
• Achieve production targets, deadlines and efficiency standards
• Monitor output, minimise downtime and wastage, maintain records
• Utilise plant equipment, labour and materials effectively
• Weigh, dose and blend fertiliser materials per formulations
• Maintain product quality, traceability and batch records
• Investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions
• Coordinate stock with procurement/logistics/warehouse
• Oversee receipt, storage and movement of materials
• Conduct stock counts and minimise losses
• Monitor equipment performance and maintenance
• Identify faults and minimise downtime
• Ensure safe operation of machinery and PPE compliance
• Adhere to health, safety, environmental and operational requirements
• Supervise staff and allocate duties
• Provide training on operations and safety
• Foster teamwork and communication
• Drive productivity, efficiency and quality improvements
• Track costs, wastage and resource use
• Prepare production reports and budgets
• Report challenges to management and assist planning

Skills

Fertiliser blending expertise

Operational leadership

Production planning

Quality assurance

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Cross-functional coordination

Analytical skills

Communication

Cost awareness

Education

Production/Operations Management or Engineering related degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

Our client is seeking a Blender Plant Manager to oversee daily plant operations within the agricultural industry to join our established radiology practice in Durban. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and results-driven professional with strong production management, technical, and leadership skills to ensure efficient blending operations, maintain product quality, and uphold health and safety standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing production processes, optimising operational efficiency, overseeing stock and raw material management, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. This role offers an opportunity to lead a dedicated team, contribute to operational excellence, and support the company's continued growth within the agricultural sector.

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate

• A relevant qualification in Production Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Agriculture, Chemical Processing or a related field would be advantageous

• A minimum of 5 years' relevant experience within a fertiliser blending or closely related fertiliser production environment

• Practical fertiliser blending experience is non-negotiable

• Previous experience managing or supervising a production or blending plant

• Demonstrated experience managing production employees and operational teams

• Strong understanding of fertiliser blending processes, raw materials and production procedures

• Experience with production planning, stock control and plant maintenance coordination

• Working knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements within an industrial or production environment

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and relevant production/ERP systems

Skills required

• Strong practical knowledge of fertiliser blending and production

• Hands-on operational management ability

• Strong leadership and people-management skills

• Production planning and organisational ability

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

• Strong attention to quality and detail

• Safety awareness and a disciplined approach to plant operations

• Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to production challenges

• Good numerical and analytical ability

• Cost and waste awareness

• Strong communication skills

• Accountability and a high level of ownership

• Ability to coordinate effectively across production, warehouse, logistics, procurement and management teams

• Continuous improvement mindset

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage daily fertiliser blending plant operations and production schedule

• Ensure production targets, deadlines, and efficiency standards are achieved

• Monitor output, minimise downtime and wastage, and maintain accurate production records

• Ensure effective utilisation of plant equipment, labour, and raw materials

• Oversee accurate weighing, dosing, and blending of fertiliser raw materials according to approved formulations and specifications

• Maintain product quality, consistency, and batch traceability

• Investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions

• Monitor raw material availability and coordinate stock requirements with procurement, logistics, and warehouse teams

• Oversee the receipt, storage, handling, and movement of raw materials and finished products

• Conduct stock counts, investigate discrepancies, and minimise losses

• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate routine and preventative maintenance

• Identify equipment faults and minimise unplanned downtime

• Ensure machinery is operated safely and maintained appropriately

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and operational requirements

• Enforce PPE requirements, safe handling procedures, and housekeeping standards

• Conduct safety inspections and risk assessments, and address hazards promptly

• Supervise plant employees, allocate duties, and monitor performance and productivity

• Ensure staff receive appropriate operational and safety training

• Promote teamwork, accountability, and effective communication

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and product quality

• Monitor production costs, wastage, and resource utilisation

• Implement process improvements to optimise plant performance

• Maintain accurate production, stock, maintenance, and safety records

• Prepare operational reports covering production output, downtime, quality, and plant performance

• Report operational challenges to management and assist with budgeting and production planning

Remuneration

Negotiable, depending on experience