Operations Director - Food & Beverage

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Life insurance

Generous annual leave

Professional development and training

Employee discounts on premium products

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead production, supply chain, and quality across Paarl's food and beverage operations. The role demands strategic oversight of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution, with a focus on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

You will direct a senior team, collaborate with R&D, sales, and marketing, and drive cost-efficient processes while upholding top-tier quality standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field and 10+ years of operations leadership experience.
• Proven track record in large-scale food and beverage production and supply chains.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans to meet production, quality, and delivery targets.
• Oversee manufacturing, processing, and packaging operations ensuring safety and quality.
• Manage end-to-end supply chain including sourcing, inventory, logistics, and distribution.
• Lead quality assurance and food safety programs in compliance with regulations.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing operations team and foster a safety culture.
• Optimize processes to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and control costs across facilities.
• Develop budgets, monitor KPIs, and report financial performance to senior management.
• Collaborate with R&D, sales, and marketing to support new product development and launches.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure environmental compliance and sustainable operational practices.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations management

Lean Six Sigma

HACCP / FSSC 22000

Budgeting & cost control

Process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Operations Management / Food Science / Engineering / MBA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in the premium food and beverage sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Operations Director to oversee their extensive operations in the picturesque Paarl, Western Cape region. This key leadership role is responsible for managing all aspects of production, supply chain, quality assurance, and operational efficiency to ensure the delivery of exceptional products and services. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the food and beverage industry, a proven ability to drive operational excellence, and strong leadership skills to manage a complex operational landscape. This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the operational strategy of a respected brand and contribute to its continued success within the vibrant Paarl culinary and agricultural hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic operational plans to achieve business objectives related to production, quality, cost, and delivery timelines.
• Oversee all manufacturing, processing, and packaging operations, ensuring adherence to highest quality and safety standards.
• Manage the entire supply chain, including sourcing of raw materials, inventory management, logistics, and distribution.
• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance and food safety programs, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operational managers and staff, fostering a high-performance and safety-conscious culture.
• Optimize operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and control costs across all production facilities.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on financial performance to senior management.
• Collaborate with R&D, sales, and marketing teams to support new product development and ensure seamless product launches.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and implement sustainable operational practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of experience in operations management within the food and beverage industry, with at least 5 years in a director-level role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale food production operations and supply chains.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, FSSC 22000) and regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and lean operational methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel within the operational region as needed.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary with significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and international training.
• Employee discounts on premium food and beverage products.
• A pivotal leadership role in a well-established and respected company.