Packaging Manager

Aspire Recruiting (PTY) LTD; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Recruiting (PTY) LTD seeks a Packaging Manager to lead end-to-end packaging within a grain milling operation in Bloemfontein. You will drive productivity, maintenance planning, inventory control, and logistics coordination while ensuring FSMS ISO 22000 and OHS compliance.

The role requires 5+ years of packaging experience in grain milling and 3+ years in management, with a Grade 12 and a packaging-related qualification. A valid SA driver's license is essential.

Qualifications

• Requires Grade 12 / NSC and a packaging-related qualification.
• 5+ years packaging experience in grain milling is required.
• 3+ years in a managerial/leadership role is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee packaging operations to fulfill customer orders and manage inventories.
• Lead, mentor and develop the packaging team to meet targets.
• Formulate and execute short- and long-term departmental goals.
• Collaborate with maintenance to minimize downtime and optimize line performance.
• Coordinate transport logistics with external carriers and internal fleet.

Skills

Packaging operations

Team leadership

Logistics coordination

Food safety FSMS ISO 22000

Maintenance coordination

Education

Grade 12 / NSC

Packaging-related qualification

Tools

Packaging machinery (grain milling)

Job description

Role Overview

The Packaging Manager oversees and directs the complete packing process within the milling operations to achieve core operational objectives and maintain service excellence. This role is responsible for end-to-end packaging line productivity, maintenance planning, inventory control, logistics coordination, and strict adherence to food safety and occupational health standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Inventory Management: Oversee packing operations to fulfill customer orders accurately; manage bag storage and packaging consumable inventories in alignment with minimum stock levels and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• People Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and structure the packaging team to achieve departmental targets; manage staff performance, drive productivity, and facilitate ongoing skills development.

• Strategic Departmental Planning: Formulate and execute short- and long-term departmental goals aligned with overarching business objectives.

• Maintenance & Reliability: Collaborate with the maintenance department and management to design and execute preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance plans to minimize equipment downtime and optimize line performance.

• Logistics & Distribution Coordination: Coordinate transport logistics with external freight carriers and internal fleet services to ensure timely order dispatch and delivery.

• Food Safety & Quality Compliance: Champion Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), specifically ISO 22000 standards; maintain sanitation/cleaning schedules and drive continuous improvement of quality assurance frameworks.

• Occupational Health & Safety (OHS): Ensure strict compliance with all health and safety regulations; maintain a clean, unobstructed workspace and enforce personal hygiene protocols across the division.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education:

  • Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate (NQF 4).

  • Relevant qualification in Packaging or a related technical discipline.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years extensive packaging experience within the grain milling industry.

  • Minimum of 3 years in a managerial or leadership capacity.

  • Practical knowledge of grain-specific automated packaging machinery is advantageous.

• Licensing: Valid South African driver’s license with own reliable transport.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Working knowledge of Supply Chain Management and logistics coordination.

• In-depth understanding of Food Safety Protocols, FSMS, and ISO 22000 regulations.

• Strong technical acumen in preventative/predictive maintenance planning for packaging lines.

• High-level capabilities in operations coordination, structured delegation, and performance management.

• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, and resilience under pressure.

• Clear, professional communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

POPIA & Application Disclaimer: Please be advised that should you not receive any communication from our consulting team within two weeks of your submission, you may accept that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. By applying for this vacancy, you explicitly consent to Aspire Recruitment processing and safely storing your personal information on our database in strict accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), ensuring we can seamlessly consider you for similar future career prospects.