Factory Manager – Wet Condiments Cluster : Retailer Brands / Johannesburg

Libstar; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG manufacturer seeks a Factory Manager in Johannesburg to oversee manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience in FMCG, with strong leadership and analytical skills. You will be responsible for implementing systems, ensuring safety compliance, and managing production plans to achieve targets. This hands-on role demands strategic thinking and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Applications are invited until 12 December.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years' experience in FMCG manufacturing, with at least 5 years in Factory or Operations Management.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and food safety standards.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in production, maintenance, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Execute operational strategies to achieve production targets and optimise resources.
• Oversee the execution of production plans ensuring customer satisfaction and quality.
• Champion health and safety policies and conduct regular risk assessments.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team development

Education

Relevant Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Syspro

Job description

Factory Manager – Wet Condiments Cluster : Retailer Brands / Johannesburg

Reporting to : Operations Site Manager

Location : Johannesburg

About the Libstar Wet Condiments Category: The Wet Condiments Category is part of the Libstar Ambient Products Category, with business sites located in Montagu, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.

We operate within a dynamic, forward‑thinking organization dedicated to driving innovation, fostering growth, and creating a supportive, inclusive work environment. As part of the broader Libstar team, our goal is to grow our food brands and category solutions in a sustainable and profitable manner.

We prioritize building strong relationships with our customers and aim to be South Africa's leading producer and distributor of high‑quality products and brands. To achieve this, we believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in their development and well‑being.

Purpose of the Role: Retailer Brands is a leading FMCG manufacturer of high‑quality dry goods and baking aids, dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the food industry. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, we pride ourselves on delivering premium products that meet the evolving needs of our clients while upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Factory Manager to drive manufacturing and continuous improvement across our production facility. As Factory Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the factory operations, including production, maintenance, and health and safety functions.

Reporting directly to the Site Operations Manager, you will lead a team comprising Production, Maintenance, and Safety, Health & Environmental.

Your primary focus will be on implementing robust systems from the top down to the factory floor, with an emphasis on enhancing health and safety protocols, optimizing waste management, determining manning requirements, and cultivating a culture of development and growth for all employees.

This is a hands‑on leadership role that requires strategic thinking, operational expertise, and a passion for fostering a positive, high‑performance work environment in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operations – Execute operational strategies to achieve production targets, optimise resources, and align performance with business objectives. Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams to deliver consistent, high‑quality output.

Production & Maintenance – Oversee the execution of production plans to ensure customer satisfaction, quality, and delivery. Implement and manage a preventive maintenance programme to maximise uptime and drive Capex projects from concept to completion.

Health, Safety & Environmental Excellence – Champion SHE policies in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and environmental regulations. Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and training to embed a zero‑incident safety culture.

Systems & Process Optimisation – Drive the implementation of standard operating procedures, lean manufacturing principles, and system tools (e.g. Pragma) to improve efficiency and knowledge transfer.

Performance Management & Reporting – Establish and monitor KPIs across OEE, safety, waste, and output. Develop analytical and reporting frameworks to track asset health, manpower, and operational efficiency. Design and implement waste‑reduction and sustainability initiatives. Implement and oversee systems for tracking and analysing time and attendance data to strengthen consistency, improve workforce planning, and support initiatives that enhance punctuality and reduce absenteeism.

People & Culture – Promote a growth‑oriented culture through coaching, mentoring, and training. Lead by example with visible, hands‑on leadership on the factory floor, building trust and engagement through consistent communication and presence. Inspire and motivate teams to achieve excellence, providing coaching and feedback that builds both technical capability and confidence. Foster team morale, ownership, and engagement at all factory levels. Partner with Quality, Logistics, Procurement, and NPD teams to ensure seamless factory integration. Ensure compliance with all food safety standards, certifications, and legal regulations.

Manage budgets across Production, Maintenance, and SHE. Lead Six Sigma or other improvement initiatives to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

Relevant Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.

8–10 years' experience in FMCG manufacturing, with at least 5 years in Factory or Operations Management.

Advanced knowledge of food manufacturing processes, OEE, waste reduction, and process control.

Proven leadership experience managing Production, Maintenance, and SHE teams.

Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and food safety standards.

Experience in system implementation, process optimisation, and workforce development.

Analytical and data‑driven mindset with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; Syspro experience advantageous.

Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and capable of independent decision‑making.

Results‑driven with a focus on excellence and accountability.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead and influence.

Natural people leader with the ability to energise, coach, and empower teams in a demanding operational environment.

Hands‑on and approachable, with a practical leadership style that balances accountability and support.

Resilient under pressure and adaptable to change.

Innovative thinker with problem‑solving acumen and a drive for improvement.

Organised, systematic, and able to prioritise in a fast‑moving environment.

Additional Information

You may occasionally be required to perform duties outside of your normal scope to meet operational needs.

Application

Please email your CV, outlining qualifications and experience, along with a motivation highlighting why you should be considered, to [email withheld].
Application deadline : 12 December

If you have not received a response within two weeks of the closing date for applications, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

POPIA Compliance

In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2003 (POPIA), Retailer Brands processes personal information lawfully and transparently.

To consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information.

For further information, please review our HR Processing Notice or request a printed copy from the HR Department before submitting your application.