Processed Cheese Supervisor

Abantu Staffing Solutions; Komani; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is looking for a highly experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor in Komani, Eastern Cape. This pivotal role involves leading the slice-on-slice processed cheese department, ensuring production targets and quality standards are met. Candidates should have significant experience in processed cheese manufacturing along with strong leadership capabilities. Adherence to food safety and operational efficiency is key. The position requires a commitment to continuous improvement and team development, aiming for the highest standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in processed cheese manufacturing, including supervisory experience.
• In-depth understanding of FSSC 22000 version 6 including implementation and audit readiness.
• Proven track record in managing production KPI’s including yield, waste, quality and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage all production activities within the slice-on-slice department.
• Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 and internal policies.
• Drive yield optimisation, material control, waste reduction, and cost efficiency.

Skills

Technical experience in processed cheese manufacturing

Operational discipline

Leadership skills

Knowledge of HACCP Principles

Education

Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent

Relevant qualification in Food Technology or Dairy Processing

Job description

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor to lead and manage the slice-on-slice cheese department. This position carries full accountability for production outputs, quality standards, team performance and compliance and will report directly to the Production Manager (Cheese).

This role requires a technically competent leader with proven experience in processed cheese manufacturing, strong operational discipline and the ability to maintain world‑class standards for a major QSR client base.

Purpose of the Job

To lead and manage the full slice‑on‑slice processed cheese production function, ensuring consistent delivery of safe, high‑quality products that meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements, while driving operational efficiency, cost control and team performance. The role exists to ensure that production targets, food safety standards and continuous improvement objectives are achieved in alignment with the company’s operational strategy and customer expectations.

Education, experience and competencies required

• Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in processed cheese manufacturing, including supervisory experience.
• Extensive technical experience in slice‑on‑slice cheese production (non‑negotiable).
• Relevant qualification in Food Technology, Dairy Processing, or equivalent: Minimum NQF 4 required and NQF 5+ and further dairy certifications advantageous.
• In‑depth understanding of FSSC 22000 version 6 including implementation and audit readiness.
• Strong working knowledge of high‑care manufacturing environments and HACCP Principles.
• Proven track record in managing production KPI’s including yield, waste, quality and efficiency.

Key Performance Areas

Operational Leadership

• Manage all production activities within the slice‑on‑slice department, including planning, scheduling and daily output performance.
• Lead Team Leaders and a total workforce of ±15 employees ensuring effective manpower utilisation.
• Maintain strict adherence to daily production targets, efficiency standards and customer specifications.

Food Safety & Quality Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor CCPs, hygiene standards, allergen controls and GMP compliance.
• Lead and support internal and external audits and ensure 100% audit readiness at all times.

Performance & Cost Control

• Drive yield optimisation, material control, waste reduction and cost efficiency.
• Analyse and report departmental KPIs, variances and corrective actions.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce downtime.

People Management & Development

• Provide clear leadership, coaching and performance management of team leaders and production staff.
• Ensure skills development, adherence to SOPs and compliance with company policies and safety procedures.
• Maintain a high‑performance and disciplined culture within the department.

Stakeholder & Customer Interaction

• Engage with Quality, Technical, Warehouse & distribution and SHE teams to ensure seamless operational performance.
• Participate in customer visits and ensure compliance with global QSR standards.