Processed Cheese Supervisor

University of Fort Hare; Komani, Cradock; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A dairy manufacturing client in Queenstown, Eastern Cape is seeking a highly experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor to manage the slice-on-slice processed cheese production department. This permanent role involves ensuring high-quality outputs, food safety compliance, and effective team leadership in a high-care environment. Candidates should have extensive experience in processed cheese manufacturing, relevant qualifications, and strong leadership skills. Competitive salary offered with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in processed cheese manufacturing.
• Extensive technical experience in slice-on-slice processed cheese production.
• Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000 (Version 6) and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Oversee activities within the slice-on-slice processed cheese department.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Drive improvements in yield, cost efficiency, and productivity.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Knowledge of HACCP principles

Leadership abilities

Problem-solving skills

Education

Relevant qualification in Food Technology or Dairy Processing

Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent

Job description

Location

Queenstown, Eastern Cape

Overview

A client of ours in the dairy manufacturing industry is seeking a highly experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor to oversee and manage the slice-on-slice processed cheese production department in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This permanent role involves ensuring consistent high-quality outputs, strong operational performance, food safety compliance, and effective team leadership within a high-care food production environment.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in processed cheese manufacturing, with proven supervisory experience.
• Extensive technical experience in slice-on-slice processed cheese production (non-negotiable).
• Relevant qualification in Food Technology, Dairy Processing, or equivalent: Minimum NQF 4, with NQF 5+ and dairy-specific certifications being advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000 (Version 6) implementation and audit readiness.
• Solid understanding of high-care production environments, HACCP principles, GMP, allergen control and CCP monitoring.
• Proven experience managing production KPIs: yield, waste, efficiency, quality and material control.
• Strong leadership, operational discipline, decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment with strict customer (QSR) standards.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all activities within the slice-on-slice processed cheese department including daily planning, scheduling, and output management.
• Lead and manage a workforce of approximately 15 employees, ensuring optimal manpower utilisation.
• Maintain strict adherence to production targets, efficiency metrics, and customer specifications.

Food Safety & Quality Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), regulatory requirements, internal quality policies, and QSR standards.
• Monitor CCPs, hygiene, allergen controls, and GMP adherence.
• Support and lead internal and external audits to maintain audit readiness.

Performance & Cost Control

• Drive improvements in yield, waste reduction, cost efficiency, and material utilisation.
• Analyse and report departmental KPIs, variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Initiate continuous improvement projects to enhance productivity and reduce downtime.

People Management & Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to team leaders and production staff.
• Ensure staff development, full SOP compliance, and adherence to safety procedures.
• Foster a disciplined, high‑performance culture within the department.

Stakeholder & Customer Interaction

• Work closely with Quality, Technical, Warehouse & Distribution, and SHE teams to ensure smooth operational flow.
• Participate in customer visits and ensure compliance with global QSR standards and customer expectations.

How to Apply

• Follow the link to our jobseeker’s page: https://measuredability.com/jobs/
• Search for the job title: Processed Cheese Supervisor
• Click Apply to submit your CV.