Operations Manager - Food Processing

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Competitive salary

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an accomplished Operations Manager to lead a Durban food processing facility. This on-site role oversees production, quality, supply chain, and personnel, driving operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

You will guide the operations team, ensure safety standards (HACCP/GMP), manage budgets, and collaborate with Sales and R&D to meet business objectives. A strong leader with 7+ years in food ops is ideal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field (Food Science, Engineering, Business).
• Master's degree preferred for advanced leadership roles.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive operations management experience in food processing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and quality systems.
• Proven ability to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Strong leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent supply chain and inventory management understanding.
• Experience with financial management and budget control.
• Excellent communication with all staff and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage day-to-day operations of the food processing plant to meet production and quality goals.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure adherence to HACCP, GMP, and industry standards.
• Lead and develop the operations team; foster safety and continuous improvement.
• Oversee inventory, supply chain logistics, and procurement of raw materials.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and R&D to align operations with business goals.
• Manage the plant budget and control expenditures.
• Ensure equipment maintenance and safety protocols are followed.
• Lead process improvements and implement best practices in food manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Communication

Supply chain management

Budget control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is looking for an accomplished Operations Manager to lead their food processing facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This on-site role is critical for ensuring the efficient, safe, and high-quality production of food products. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality control, supply chain, and personnel management. The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic thinking, excellent leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of the food manufacturing industry. This is an exciting opportunity to drive operational excellence and contribute to the growth of a well-established company.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage day-to-day operations of the food processing plant to achieve production and quality goals.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations (HACCP, GMP) and all relevant industry standards.
• Manage and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of performance, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee inventory management, supply chain logistics, and procurement of raw materials.
• Monitor production performance, analyze key metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and R&D departments to align operational capabilities with business objectives.
• Manage the plant budget and control operational expenditures.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained in optimal working condition and safety protocols are strictly followed.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and implement best practices in food manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management within the food processing industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and other food safety and quality management systems.
• Proven track record of success in improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent understanding of supply chain management and inventory control.
• Experience with financial management and budget control.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in relevant ERP systems and MS Office.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and retirement plans. You will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team and make a significant impact on the company's success. Our client provides a stable and supportive work environment with excellent opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the food manufacturing sector in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .