Food Plant Operations Leader - Lean, Quality, Safe

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

Health insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Access to state-of-the-art production

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Manager to lead and optimize a food processing facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will drive operational excellence, manage budgets, and ensure food safety and regulatory compliance across production.

You will oversee schedules, maintenance, and a diverse team while collaborating with QA, supply chain, and R&D to continuously improve processes and product quality. This hybrid role requires on-site presence and occasional travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive plant management experience in food processing.
• Proven experience with HACCP, GMP, and food safety management systems.
• Track record of managing operational budgets and cost-saving initiatives.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; team development.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Hybrid work on-site at the Tembisa facility; willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans aligned with objectives.
• Manage production schedules, labor, and resources to meet demand.
• Ensure HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 compliance and regulatory standards.
• Lead and motivate production staff and managers.
• Manage the plant budget and optimize costs.
• Drive continuous improvement through lean and Six Sigma.
• Oversee maintenance and capital expenditure projects.
• Collaborate with supply chain, QA, and R&D for seamless operations.
• Mentor direct reports and identify training needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

People management

Food safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Engineering/Operations Management

Tools

HACCP

GMP

Six Sigma

ISO 22000

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Manager to lead and optimize a food processing facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will drive operational excellence, manage budgets, and ensure food safety and regulatory compliance across production.

You will oversee schedules, maintenance, and a diverse team while collaborating with QA, supply chain, and R&D to continuously improve processes and product quality. This hybrid role requires on-site presence and occasional travel as needed.