Factory Manager

NP Digital; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent FMCG manufacturer in Durban is seeking a Factory Manager to oversee production operations. The ideal candidate should have 3-5 years of experience in snack food manufacturing and a strong grasp of production planning and quality control. Responsibilities include managing daily manufacturing activities, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and leading a team to achieve production goals effectively. The role offers significant responsibility and opportunity for impact within a growing business.

Benefits

Opportunity for career growth

Influence over factory performance

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in FMCG snack food manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing high‑volume production lines in a factory environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning and quality control systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing activities and ensure targets are met.
• Plan and schedule production while monitoring output and efficiency.
• Maintain product quality and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Lead and coordinate maintenance for optimal equipment performance.
• Monitor waste levels and drive initiatives for cost reduction.
• Lead factory staff and enforce operational discipline.
• Conduct regular safety checks and ensure compliance with legislation.

Skills

Production planning

Quality control

People leadership

Problem-solving

Health and safety compliance

Job description

Factory Manager – FMCG Snack Manufacturing

Frimax Foods

Frimax Foods is an established FMCG snack manufacturer producing potato chips, hard extruded, and soft extruded snack products for the local market. We are seeking a highly capable Factory Manager to take full operational ownership of our manufacturing facility, with accountability across production output, quality, efficiency, maintenance, and people management.

This is a senior, hands‑on role suited to a manufacturing professional who understands the realities of high-volume snack production and is comfortable leading from the factory floor. The successful candidate will be expected to drive consistency, discipline, and continuous improvement across all operational areas.

Role Overview

The Factory Manager is responsible for the end-to-end performance of the factory. This includes planning and executing daily production, maintaining strict quality standards, managing raw materials and waste, leading maintenance and preventive servicing, and ensuring the factory operates safely, efficiently, and profitably.

You will work closely with senior management, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics to align production with demand, minimise losses, and improve overall manufacturing performance. This role requires strong leadership, sound technical judgment, and the ability to make decisions under pressure in a fast‑paced FMCG environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Factory Operations & Production Management – Oversee all daily manufacturing activities across multiple snack production lines, ensuring production targets are achieved without compromising quality or safety. Manage shift structures, staffing levels, line changeovers, and production sequencing.
• Production Planning & Scheduling – Plan and schedule production, ensuring optimal use of equipment, labour, and raw materials to meet forecasted demand. Monitor production output, line efficiencies, yields, and downtime, taking corrective action where performance deviates from plan.
• Quality Control & Food Safety – Maintain product quality and food safety standards. Oversee raw material standards, in‑process quality checks, and finished goods compliance. Investigate quality deviations, implement corrective actions, and prevent repeat issues.
• Maintenance & Equipment Reliability – Lead and coordinate the maintenance function, ensuring machinery and production equipment are kept in optimal working condition. Implement preventive maintenance schedules, manage breakdowns, prioritise repairs, and pursue long‑term solutions to improve reliability and throughput.
• Cost Control, Efficiency & Waste Reduction – Monitor waste levels, scrap, rework, and raw material usage. Identify root causes and drive initiatives to reduce losses. Track and analyse performance metrics such as cost per unit, yield, downtime, and labour efficiency.
• People Leadership & Discipline – Lead, manage, and develop factory staff, including production supervisors, operators, and maintenance personnel. Set clear expectations, enforce operational discipline, and maintain a high standard of accountability on the factory floor.
• Health, Safety & Compliance – Enforce health and safety standards, conduct regular safety checks, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and internal policies.

Key Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in FMCG snack food manufacturing, specifically within potato chips, hard extruded, or soft extruded snack production.
• Proven experience managing high‑volume production lines in a factory environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning, quality control systems, and preventive maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead factory teams, enforce standards, and drive accountability.
• Solid operational mindset with a focus on efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

What We Offer

Frimax Foods offers a senior operational role with real responsibility and influence over factory performance. This position provides the opportunity to make a measurable impact on production efficiency, quality, and operational discipline within a growing FMCG business.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV to [e-mail] or apply via LinkedIn.