Plant Operations Manager - Food & Beverage

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Plant Operations Manager for a major food & beverage facility in Gauteng. You will lead end-to-end plant operations, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with HACCP and GMP while managing costs and a cross-functional team.

Ideal candidate has 8+ years in plant management, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of food safety standards. Role offers executive growth and strong bonus potential in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field is highly desirable.
• 8+ years of progressive plant management experience in the food & beverage industry.
• Experience managing large-scale production operations and teams.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems.
• Strong financial acumen with budget management and cost control.
• Excellent leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and production scheduling software.
• Knowledge of the industrial sector in Tembisa, Gauteng is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve company objectives and growth targets.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation.
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of managers and supervisors, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and quality control standards.
• Drive initiatives for process optimization, waste reduction, and yield improvement.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and capital expenditure projects to ensure operational reliability.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Develop and implement robust safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Report on plant performance metrics to senior executive leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting & cost control

ERP systems

Quality & food safety compliance

Vendor & stakeholder management

Communication

Change management

Education

Master's degree in Food Science / Chemical Engineering / Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

Production scheduling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding entity in the Food & Beverage sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Plant Operations Manager to lead their facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior leadership position is crucial for driving operational excellence, optimizing production efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management of the plant, from raw material procurement to finished product dispatch. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of food manufacturing processes and a passion for continuous improvement. This role is integral to the company's growth strategy and its commitment to delivering superior products to its customers in Tembisa and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve company objectives and growth targets.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation.
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of managers and supervisors, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and quality control standards.
• Drive initiatives for process optimization, waste reduction, and yield improvement.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and capital expenditure projects to ensure operational reliability.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Develop and implement robust safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Report on plant performance metrics to senior executive leadership.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is highly desirable.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in plant management within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale production operations and teams.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and production scheduling software.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and implement continuous improvement programs.
• Knowledge of the industrial sector in Tembisa, Gauteng is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial annual bonus and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health insurance, life cover, and a generous pension scheme are included.
• Significant opportunities for career progression and leadership development are available.
• The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, offering a stimulating work environment.
• Additional benefits include relocation assistance if applicable, employee wellness programs, and subsidized on-site facilities.
• Join a forward-thinking organization at the forefront of the food manufacturing industry.