Manager: Production

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd in Stellenbosch seeks a Production/Operations Manager to direct production activities, set standards with management, and optimize resources. You will plan priorities, manage budgeting, and ensure efficient utilisation of people, machines and materials to meet targets.

The role requires 4-6 years in production/manufacturing and strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Production/Operations Management or related field.
• 4-6 years' experience in production/manufacturing.
• Knowledge of production processes, quality systems (HACCP) and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Achieve and maintain OEE standards while meeting targets and yields.
• Coordinate production activities, budgets and cost controls.
• Oversee shift operations, packaging, and machine-material interactions.
• Lead, train, and motivate production teams to high performance.
• Monitor costs, waste, and variances; drive continuous cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure EHS, food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Production management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Budgeting

Operational planning

Education

Degree/Diploma in Production/Operations Management

Tools

MS Excel

ERP software

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.

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

Direct and coordinates activities concerned with production of company products. Confers with management to establish production and quality control standards, develop budget and cost controls and to obtain data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered. Plans and directs production activities and establishes production priorities for products in keeping with effective operations and cost factors. Plans and coordinates production activities to obtain optimum production and utilization of human resources, machines and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure Company OEE standards are achieved and maintained while meeting production targets, efficiencies, and yield requirements.
• Manage and coordinate all production activities to ensure smooth factory operations and the effective execution of production plans.
• Oversee shift operations, packaging processes, and machine-material interactions to maximize productivity and operational performance.
• Lead, train, motivate, and monitor production teams to achieve operational objectives and maintain high performance standards.
• Manage raw material availability, operating expenses, labour, consumables, and company assets in line with approved budgets.
• Ensure facility infrastructure and equipment are maintained, audit findings are addressed, and corrective actions are implemented for non-conformances.
• Provide effective people leadership by managing workforce planning, recruitment, employee development, performance management, and employee relations processes.
• Monitor and control budgets, production variances, waste, and internal rejections while driving continuous cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, while addressing customer and supplier concerns.
• Drive continuous improvement through quality initiatives, internal audits, corrective actions, hygiene and housekeeping standards, and the timely submission of operational and production reports.

Experience And Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Production or Operations Management, Business administration, Management, Engineering, Food sciences, Industrial technology an advantage.
• 4-6 years' experience.
• Knowledge and experience in production and manufacturing processes and techniques

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of production processes, raw materials, machinery, and process improvement.
• Good understanding of quality systems, food safety (HACCP), and health & safety compliance.
• Sound knowledge of business, financial, and people management principles.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and computer skills to drive operational efficiency.
• Professional, hardworking, organized, and able to prioritize tasks.
• Strong personal, interpersonal, and performance leadership skills.
• Good understanding of FMCG products and stock control.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with fluency in English

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.