Operations Manager

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary plus annual bonus

Medical cover

Pension

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for our Paarl facility to oversee production, quality, and overall site performance. The role blends on-site supervision with remote administrative tasks to drive efficiency and compliance.

You will lead the production team, optimize processes, manage inventory, and ensure HACCP/GMP adherence while partnering with procurement, logistics and sales to meet objectives in a dynamic food and beverage environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in food and beverage operations management.
• Proven leadership of production teams and familiarity with HACCP/GMP.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities and ensure schedules are met.
• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished goods to reduce waste.
• Enforce quality control and food safety standards across production.
• Lead, train, and motivate the production team for peak performance.
• Identify and implement process improvements to cut costs and boost efficiency.
• Monitor budgets and ensure cost-effective resource utilization.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and sales to ensure smooth operations.
• Track KPIs and report on operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant food safety regulations and company policies.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Quality systems

HACCP/GMP

MES

MS Office

Education

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

Tools

MES

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing food and beverage production company, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee their facility in Paarl . This position adopts a hybrid work model, offering a blend of essential on-site supervision and remote administrative capabilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing production processes, managing inventory, ensuring product quality and safety, and leading a dedicated team. This role requires a strong understanding of food manufacturing, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent leadership qualities. You will be pivotal in driving operational efficiency, implementing strategic improvements, and maintaining the highest standards of output and compliance. We are looking for a proactive and organized professional who can effectively manage both plant floor activities and broader operational strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to schedules.
• Manage inventory levels, including raw materials and finished goods, to meet demand and minimize waste.
• Implement and enforce strict quality control and food safety standards throughout the production process.
• Lead, train, and motivate the production team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage operational budgets and ensure cost-effective utilization of resources.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and sales departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and generate reports on operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations and company policies.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions promptly.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in operations management within the food and beverage industry.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing production teams.
• Solid understanding of food manufacturing processes, HACCP, and GMP standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and MS Office Suite.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff at all levels.
• Experience with quality assurance and continuous improvement methodologies is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, with regular on-site presence required.

Benefits

• The offered compensation includes a competitive salary and an annual performance-based bonus.
• Employees receive comprehensive medical coverage and contribute to a pension fund.
• Our client provides opportunities for professional development and training to enhance skills and career growth.
• The hybrid work structure offers flexibility.
• Join a respected company in the vibrant Paarl region, contributing to the production of high-quality food and beverage products.