Processed Cheese Supervisor

Headhunters; Komani; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An established company in the Dairy industry seeks an experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor to lead production activities in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in processed cheese manufacturing, strong supervisory skills, and a solid understanding of food safety standards such as HACCP and FSSC 22000 compliance. This role involves managing production KPIs and leading a team to meet operational targets while ensuring high-quality standards.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric is required.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in processed cheese manufacturing is essential.
• Extensive technical experience in slice-on-slice cheese production is non-negotiable.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Processed cheese manufacturing experience

Supervisory experience

Knowledge of HACCP principles

Management of production KPIs

Understanding of FSSC 22000

Education

Relevant qualification in Food Technology or Dairy Processing (NQF 4+)

Job description

Our client in the Dairy industry is seeking to employ an experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor to their team based in Queenstown.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric
• 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 (NQF 4 minimum; NQF 5+ and further dairy certifications advantageous)
• In-depth understanding of FSSC 22000 V6, including implementation and audit readiness
• Strong knowledge of high-care manufacturing environments and HACCP principles
• Proven experience in managing production KPIs (yield, waste, quality, efficiency)

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Manage all production activities within the slice-on-slice department
  • Plan, schedule, and monitor daily output performance
  • Lead Team Leaders and ±15 production staff, ensuring effective manpower utilisation
  • Maintain adherence to production targets, efficiency standards, and customer specifications
• Food Safety and Quality Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), internal policies, and regulatory requirements
  • Monitor CCPs, hygiene standards, allergen controls, and GMP compliance
  • Lead internal and external audits, ensuring 100% audit readiness
• Performance and Cost Control
  • Drive yield optimisation, material control, waste reduction, and cost efficiency
  • Analyse departmental KPIs, variances, and corrective actions
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce downtime
• People Management and Development
  • Provide clear leadership, coaching, and performance management for team leaders and production staff
  • Ensure skills development, SOP compliance, and adherence to safety procedures
  • Maintain a high-performance, disciplined departmental culture
• Stakeholder and Customer Interaction
  • Engage with Quality, Technical, Warehouse and Distribution, and SHE teams
  • Participate in customer visits and ensure compliance with global QSR standards