Process Manager

Woodlands Dairy (Pty) (Ltd); Humansdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodlands Dairy (Pty) (Ltd) in the Eastern Cape seeks a Process Manager to provide operational leadership across liquid processing operations, focusing on performance, process optimisation and continuous improvement.

You will develop teams, manage budgets, drive yield improvements and ensure quality and regulatory compliance while collaborating with Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain. The role also involves leading upgrades and implementing lean initiatives to enhance overall efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• Significant experience in dairy/process industries preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, efficient liquid processing operations.
• Drive continuous improvement in throughput, quality and waste reduction.
• Improve product yields and reduce process losses.
• Manage departmental OPEX and contribute to CAPEX planning.
• Lead and support manufacturing projects and plant upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with quality, food safety and regulatory standards.
• Develop and lead high-performing teams through coaching and talent development.
• Collaborate across Production, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Cost management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical or Process Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Process Manager to provide operational leadership and drive manufacturing excellence across our liquid processing operations. The successful candidate will focus on operational performance, process optimisation, people development, cost management and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead safe, efficient and cost-effective liquid processing operations.
• Drive continuous improvement in throughput, quality, reliability, efficiency and waste reduction.
• Improve product yields and reduce process losses.
• Manage departmental OPEX and contribute to CAPEX planning.
• Lead and support manufacturing projects, plant upgrades and operational readiness.
• Ensure compliance with quality, food safety, regulatory and company standards.
• Develop and lead high-performing teams through coaching and talent development.
• Collaborate across Production, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical or Process Engineering.
• 7 to 10 years’ experience in dairy, food, beverage, FMCG or a similar process manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years’ leadership/management experience within manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience in continuous improvement, budget management, yield improvement, waste reduction and cost optimisation.
• Strong leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Advantageous

• Postgraduate qualification in Manufacturing, Operations, Business or Project Management.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Exposure to manufacturing expansion projects and technology implementation.