Operations Executive

Pro Select Consulting; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food manufacturing sector is looking for an Operations Executive to oversee daily operations and ensure quality and safety standards are met. This role involves managing teams, optimizing processes, and driving performance initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food or beverage manufacturing and proven leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in a senior operational role within food or beverage manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience with multi-disciplinary teams in a plant or factory setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks for food manufacturing (local and international).

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance, and logistics.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Implement Lean Manufacturing processes to improve efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Organisational Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Technology

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning tools

Data-driven reporting

Job description

We are seeking a results-driven Operations Executive to oversee and optimise our clients daily food manufacturing operations. This role is central to ensuring that production meets quality standards, safety regulations, and business targets while managing teams and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance, and logistics.
• Oversee manufacturing processes such as mixing, cooking, extrusion (if applicable), drying, packaging, and storage.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, GMP).
• Monitor KPIs and drive performance in output, yield, OEE, waste reduction, and downtime.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to streamline operations.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Continuous Improvement processes to improve efficiency.
• Manage production scheduling, inventory control, and resource planning.
• Recruit, lead, and develop operations staff to achieve performance goals.
• Ensure the plant operates within budget and cost control parameters.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues with minimal impact to production.
• Lead initiatives around sustainability, innovation, and automation where relevant.

Personal Attributes and Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Food Technology, Engineering, Operations Management, or similar.
• 5+ years experience in a senior operational role within food or beverage manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience with multi-disciplinary teams in a plant or factory setting.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, and production flow.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks for food manufacturing (local and international).
• Proficient in using ERP systems, production planning tools, and data-driven reporting.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Experience with Lean/Kaizen/Six Sigma methodologies is a strong advantage