Plant Manager (Packaged Food)

HR Mind; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in South Africa is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee operations in a packaged food production facility. This role involves leadership in production, quality assurance, and cost management while developing a high-performing team. Candidates should have 10–15 years of experience in food manufacturing, with a strong background in HACCP and GMP compliance. This position offers an opportunity to drive efficiency and safety within a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience in packaged food manufacturing.
• 3–5 years in a Plant Manager or senior operations leadership role.
• Experience with HACCP, GMP, food safety audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall plant operations including production, maintenance, and quality.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.

Skills

Food processing

Quality assurance

Team leadership

Cost control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Engineering, or related field

Postgraduate qualification in Operations or Management

Job description

Job Title: Plant Manager Packaged Food Manufacturing

Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Reporting To: Operations Director / Managing Director

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for a packaged food production facility in Lagos. The role requires strong leadership, operational excellence, and deep understanding of food manufacturing, quality systems, and people management. The Plant Manager will be accountable for safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and continuous improvement across the plant.

Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Leadership

• Lead overall plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, warehousing, and utilities.
• Drive daily, weekly, and monthly production planning to meet volume, quality, and cost targets.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of supervisors, engineers, and operators.
• Foster a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Manufacturing Excellence

• Ensure efficient operation of food processing and packaging lines (mixing, baking/cooking, filling, sealing, labeling, etc., as applicable).
• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing / TPM / OEE improvement initiatives.
• Monitor KPIs related to productivity, yield, downtime, waste, and conversion cost.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety and quality standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 / FSSC, NAFDAC requirements).
• Oversee audits, inspections, and corrective action plans.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, traceability, and product consistency.

Cost & Performance Management

• Own plant P&L levers including labor productivity, raw material usage, utilities, and maintenance cost.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising food safety or quality.
• Manage budgets, CAPEX proposals, and maintenance planning.

Supply Chain & Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate closely with procurement, planning, logistics, and sales to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Support scale-up, new product launches, and process transfers.
• Liaise with vendors, contractors, and regulatory authorities as required.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Ensure compliance with Nigerian labor laws, safety regulations, and company HSE standards.
• Lead safety initiatives and ensure zero-harm culture on the shop floor.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 10–15+ years of experience in packaged food manufacturing, with at least 3–5 years in a Plant Manager or senior operations leadership role.
• Proven experience managing medium to large food manufacturing plants.
• Exposure to African or emerging-market manufacturing environments preferred.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of food processing, packaging operations, and utilities.
• Hands-on experience with HACCP, GMP, food safety audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing KPIs, cost control, and operational excellence frameworks.

Leadership & Behavioral Skills

• Strong people leadership and shop-floor management capability.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage diverse teams.
• Results-driven, structured, and execution-focused mindset.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Engineering (Mechanical / Chemical / Industrial), or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Operations or Management is an advantage.