Factory Manager (Food), Richards Bay

Dixie Recruitment; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Dixie Recruitment has an opening for a hands-on Factory Manager in Richards Bay to lead production, people and quality in a high‑volume food manufacturing setting.

The role demands strong business acumen, food-safety know-how, and the ability to drive productivity, efficiency and profitability from the factory floor. Early starts and weekend peak periods are expected.

Qualifications

• National Diploma, Degree or equivalent in Production Management, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Food Technology or related field.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in a Factory / Production Management role within food manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing high-volume production and manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, productivity, yields, waste and cost control.
• Experience managing large production teams and preferably a unionised workforce.
• Food-safety and HACCP knowledge essential.
• Experience with ERP / production systems and MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete factory operation and ensure production targets are achieved.
• Plan production to meet customer demand and delivery requirements.
• Drive productivity, yields, labour efficiency and waste reduction.
• Manage production, packing, cold-chain, stock and dispatch operations.
• Ensure consistent product quality and compliance with food-safety and HACCP standards.
• Ensure the factory meets all relevant health, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, develop and manage supervisors and production teams.
• Manage factory costs including labour, utilities, packaging, maintenance and waste.
• Monitor production, stock, yield, quality and cost performance and implement corrective action.
• Work closely with sales, procurement and logistics to ensure reliable customer service.
• Ensure plant, equipment and facilities are maintained to required standards.

Skills

Production management

Food safety & HACCP

Team leadership

Production planning

Cost control

Unionised workforce experience

Quality control

Education

Diploma/degree in Production Management or related field

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

Production scheduling software

Job description

FACTORY MANAGER (Food), Richards Bay, KZN

Our client is a well-established food manufacturing business seeking an experienced Factory Manager to take overall responsibility for production, people, quality, food safety, costs and operational performance.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification in Production Management, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Food Technology or a related field.

• Minimum 4 years' experience in a Factory / Production Management role within food manufacturing.

• Proven experience managing high-volume production and manufacturing operations.

• Strong knowledge of production planning, productivity, yields, waste and cost control.

• Experience managing large production teams and preferably a unionised workforce.

• Food-safety and HACCP knowledge essential.

• Experience with ERP / production systems and MS Excel.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete factory operation and ensure production targets are achieved.

• Plan production to meet customer demand and delivery requirements.

• Drive productivity, yields, labour efficiency and waste reduction.

• Manage production, packing, cold-chain, stock and dispatch operations.

• Ensure consistent product quality and compliance with food-safety and HACCP standards.

• Ensure the factory meets all relevant health, safety and regulatory requirements.

• Lead, develop and manage supervisors and production teams.

• Manage factory costs including labour, utilities, packaging, maintenance and waste.

• Monitor production, stock, yield, quality and cost performance and implement corrective action.

• Work closely with sales, procurement and logistics to ensure reliable customer service.

• Ensure plant, equipment and facilities are maintained to required standards.

The Ideal Candidate

A hands-on, commercially minded Factory Manager with strong food manufacturing experience who can lead from the factory floor, manage a demanding production environment and drive quality, productivity, efficiency and profitability.

Early starts, Saturdays and peak-period work will be required.