Process Leader

RCL FOODS; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 450 000 - 550 000; Full time

Job summary

A food processing company in Centurion is seeking a Process Leader to supervise production lines and ensure that daily targets are achieved while maintaining safety and quality standards. The role requires strong leadership skills and previous experience in operations or food technology, preferably in a unionised environment. Candidates should possess a National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of two years of relevant experience. This permanent position offers a great opportunity for career growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in a unionised food processing plant.
• HACCP/Food safety certificates will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Supervise performance of production lines to achieve daily targets.
• Ensure safety, health, and quality standards are met.
• Monitor raw material usage to minimize wastage.
• Communicate production objectives to team and ensure understanding.

Skills

Operations/Production knowledge

Food Technology knowledge

HACCP/Food safety awareness

Experience in the Baking industry

Education

National Diploma/Bachelor's in Operations/Production

National Diploma/Bachelor's in Food Technology

Job description

Overview

Closing Date 2026/01/15
Reference Number RCL260105-2
Company RCL Foods
Job Title Process Leader
Functions Operations/Manufacturing
Job Type Classification Permanent
Location - Town / City Centurion
Location - Province Gauteng
Location - Country South Africa

Job Description

At RCL FOODS we see and do things differently. We grow what matters! RCL FOODS is currently recruiting for a Process Leader to join the Speciality Business Unit in Centurion. The purpose of the role is to supervise the performance of your production lines/department in a specific area of the Plant (including staff / process workers, machinery and material on that line/department) to achieve daily targets to required product specifications, while meeting safety, health and quality standards.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma/bachelor’s in Operations/Production OR
• National Diploma/bachelor’s in Food Technology
• HACCP/Food safety certificates will be advantageous
• 2 years relevant experience preferably in a unionised food processing plant.
• Experience in the Baking industry

Duties & Responsibilities

Production Planning

• Communicate the objectives of the plan to the team on shift to ensure understanding
• Ensure man load is at full capacity according to the production plan, and request additional resources if necessary before starting the line

Operations Management

• Follow the assigned plan until completed or a problem arises.
• Alert the Senior Process Leader to any deviation to the production plan immediately.
• Prioritise work to ensure deadlines are met.
• Conduct the required checks on start-up, during the shift, and sign off, and ensure the relevant data is recorded correctly.
• Do calculations to establish the most efficient use of resources allocated to the line, i.e. cost, people, time, etc., ensuring that these are neither wasted nor misused.
• Adhere to man load requirements.
• Ensure allocated resources are accounted for throughout the shift.
• Reallocate resources / work within area of responsibility if behind target, and change deadlines if necessary to ensure the achievement of production targets at the lowest possible cost.
• Request additional resources if necessary to produce the required product mix.
• Alert the Senior process leader where there may be spare capacity.
• Ensure tools / equipment are utilised in the correct way.
• Ensure that the machinery and equipment required for production are working properly to enable correct levels of production output.
• Report faults / breakdowns immediately.
• Monitor the use of raw materials to minimise wastage, and report to the Senior process leader when supply is insufficient to meet demand.
• Coordinate with counterparts on other lines to ensure the optimal use of resources:
• Make recommendations to the Senior process leader to utilise resources more efficiently across lines.
• Ensure the smooth flow and movement of product through the plant to avoid contamination.
• Work with existing processes and procedures in such a way that operational efficiencies and performance are enhanced:
• Monitor the removal of all reject/ non-conformance product from the line as per best operating procedure.
• Recommend new and different ways of doing things to improve yield and performance (whilst still maintaining product integrity).
• Ensure everything produced is according to specification. Stop production immediately and report anything that is out of specification to the Senior process leader.

Cost control

• Issue PPE to Operators according to procedure.
• Motivate where additional PPE is required.
• Monitor the line to ensure work is executed consistently according to standard operating procedures to minimize waste and reduce consumption where possible.
• Monitor the usage of materials:
• Draw the correct quantity of packing material from stores to match planned daily utilisation in production.
• Identify and report wastage of materials / product.
• Report machinery and equipment that is not in good working order immediately to enable correct levels of production output.
• Alert the Senior process leader when there are excess resources on the line to minimise cost where applicable.

Team supervision

• Ensure direct reports operate within boundaries set.
• Supervise people performance:
• Supervise the activities of the team to ensure production targets are met.
• Actively manage non-performance. Initiate disciplinary hearings as needed and according to RPM standards
• Monitor time and attendance daily and report on absenteeism.
• Complete all time sheets and attendance registers on a daily basis.
• Coordinate leave requests and escalate for authorisation:
• Complete leave and general time management documentation in line with company policy.
• Escalate leave requests to the Senior process leader for authorisation.
• Continually assess the technical competence of the team and take steps to develop their knowledge and skill:
• Recognise the strengths of individuals and make use of these to achieve goals.
• Provide on-the-job training and support team members where necessary to achieve targets.
• Identify development needs for individuals / the team and escalate to the Senior process leader.
• Implement training and development plans for the team as agreed with the Senior process leader.
• Develop supportive relationships with reports and encourage a team spirit
• Communicate actively and effectively resolving any potential conflicts that may arise, and sharing and providing relevant information.