Manager: Operations

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd in South Africa seeks an experienced Operations Manager to drive production efficiency and maintain quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will lead high-performing teams, implement TPM and GMP standards, manage planning, procurement and costs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable operations.

The role emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and budgeting, with a strong focus on delivering quality products to the market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field with strong operations exposure.
• Experience in manufacturing environments with GMP/quality standards.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage factory operations to achieve production, efficiency, quality, and profitability targets.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute production schedules to ensure manufacturing objectives are met.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and maintain high product quality standards.
• Monitor operational performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to reduce waste and costs.
• Drive continuous improvement and TPM initiatives to enhance productivity and equipment reliability.
• Manage factory planning, procurement, inventory, and consumables to optimize resources and control costs.
• Analyze production data, prepare accurate reports, and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
• Support new product development through factory trials and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Lead and develop teams through workforce planning, performance management, training, and employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, food safety, and quality standards while driving continuous improvement.

Skills

Production leadership

TPM expertise

GMP knowledge

Budgeting & forecasting

Staff management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field

Grade 12 (Matric)

Job description

About Premier FMCG

Premier FMCG is at the heart of South Africa's FMCG industry, delivering trusted, iconic brands across our Bakery, Milling, Confectionery, Home & Personal Care and Culinary divisions. We are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a high-performance growth culture. We empower our people to strive for excellence ensuring that our products and people make a difference in the everyday lives of our consumers.

Job Purpose

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring production efficiency, maintaining quality standards, managing costs, and leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage factory operations to achieve production, efficiency, quality, and profitability targets.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute production schedules to ensure manufacturing objectives are met.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and maintain high product quality standards.
• Monitor operational performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to reduce waste and costs.
• Drive continuous improvement and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives to enhance productivity and equipment reliability.
• Manage factory planning, procurement, inventory, and consumables to optimize resources and control costs.
• Analyze production data, prepare accurate reports, and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
• Support new product development through factory trials and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Lead and develop teams through effective workforce planning, performance management, training, and employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, food safety, and quality standards while driving continuous improvement.

Experience and qualification

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Degree in Operations Management or related field
• A minimum of 8 – 10 years proven experience as an Operations manager in a production/ manufacturing environment

Skills And Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of organisational effectiveness and operations management
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management.
• Experience budgeting and forecasting.
• Familiarity with business and financial principles.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience in Staff Management.
• Understanding of Syspro programmes will be advantageous.
• Management Experience (Operations / Staff / General / Divisional).
• MS Office (E-Mail, Word, Excel, Power Point).
• Project Costing and Management.
• Knowledge and experience in production and manufacturing processes and techniques

Diversity & Inclusion

Premier FMCG is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including people living with disabilities. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) for recruitment purposes

Closing Date: 18 September 2026