Plant Manager

Rich Products Corporation Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food manufacturing sector is seeking a seasoned Manager to oversee production facilities. The ideal candidate will drive safety, quality, and efficiency while leading a diverse team. Responsibilities include managing costs, ensuring food safety compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The role requires extensive experience in manufacturing and a strong understanding of relevant safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years’ managerial experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems and process controls.

Responsibilities

• Create and drive strategies for workplace safety.
• Manage cost centers and control direct costs.
• Develop strategies for continuous improvement of product quality.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

MBA

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

The ideal candidate will have experience managing both a production facility and a team. They should be able to analyze each step of the manufacturing process and make effective use of resources to deliver desired outcomes. The candidate will also have the ability to follow safety and compliance guidelines diligently to create a healthy work environment for all employees.

Responsibilities

1. Safety
   • Create and drive strategies that build a safety culture in the workplace.
2. Cost
   • Manage relevant cost centres to ensure conformance to budget.
   • Control direct costs through yield and waste management.
   • Achieve yield improvement through process improvement practices.
3. Food Safety
   • Drive the facility Food Safety and Quality culture.
   • Ensure production processes are aligned with the Company’s food safety and quality policies and procedures to manufacture safe and quality products.
   • Review and improve production processes to ensure continued and consistent supply of safe and quality products.
   • Participate in Food Safety and Culture meetings and improvement initiatives.
   • Provide resources and training to all associates involved in product processing and handling.
   • Ensure Food Safety and Quality KPIs are linked with manufacturing associates' KPIs.
4. Product Quality
   • Develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement of product quality.
   • Influence and contribute to new product design to ensure consistent quality.
5. Schedule Attainment
   • Set schedule adherence targets and lead managers to achieve them.
   • Foster a problem-solving mindset and drive root cause analysis for major and recurring issues.
6. Inventory
   • Implement control systems with the finance department for accurate cost control and inventory management.
7. Line Optimization
   • Analyze line capacity and work with planning to develop accurate supply-side decks.
   • Achieve targeted capacity by providing appropriate resources and environment.
8. Yield Optimization
   • Set yield targets based on analysis and create an environment for achievement without compromising quality.
9. Leadership
   • Model leadership behaviors to engage associates.
   • Foster teamwork and collaboration across functions.
   • Manage team discipline and create motivating environments.
   • Develop individual development plans for direct reports.
   • Deliver on performance and operational plans.
   • Suggest capital improvements for efficiency.
10. Labour Strategy
    • Work with the Associate Experience Network to improve engagement and reduce turnover.
    • Implement controls to ensure fair compensation.
11. World Class Manufacturing
    • Maintain facilities to a world-class standard with ongoing repairs and maintenance.
    • Ensure facilities are audit-ready at all times.
    • Set and motivate budgets to meet these standards.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification (preferably in production, engineering, or manufacturing).
• An MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 15 years’ managerial experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, process controls, and instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of FSSC 22000 requirements.
• Understanding of safe manufacturing practices, OSHA standards, and product quality management.
• Ability to lead, coach, and train staff, and to analyze and resolve problems.
• Mechanical and spatial aptitude, with ability to disassemble and reassemble equipment and operate production lines.
• Proficiency in MS Office; SAP experience is a plus.
• Experience with Total Productive Manufacturing (TPM) systems is advantageous.