Production Manager

Greys Personnel; Cradock; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company is seeking an experienced manager to oversee cheese production operations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Technology or a related field with substantial experience in cheese production, including successful team management. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with standards, optimizing production processes, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to lead in a fast-paced environment in Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• 710 years experience in cheese production with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, and high-care manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all cheese production and packaging operations.
• Plan and coordinate daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules according to business needs.
• Reduce downtime and optimise equipment utilisation in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), HACCP, GMP, and all regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Production Management

Job description

Location

Queenstown, Eastern Cape

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Degree or Diploma in Food Technology , Dairy Science , Production Management , or related field.
• 710 years experience in cheese production (hard cheese, processed cheese, mozzarella), with at least 5 years in a management role .
• Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000 , HACCP , GMP , and high-care manufacturing environments .
• Proven experience managing production budgets , KPIs , and large teams.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Able to perform in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement , operational excellence, quality compliance, and disciplined execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all cheese production and packaging operations .
• Plan and coordinate daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules according to business needs.
• Reduce downtime and optimise equipment utilisation in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6) , HACCP, GMP, and all regulatory standards.
• Maintain CCPs, hygiene, allergen controls, and ensure complete traceability.
• Ensure finished products meet quality standards for texture, flavour, moisture , and packaging.
• Analyse production data and manage KPIs including yield, wastage, throughput, cost per unit, and labour productivity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors and frontline production teams.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Technical, and SHE departments.
• Attend customer visits, manage escalations, and ensure customer requirements are met.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations and drive operational excellence initiatives.
• Explore new technologies, equipment, and process improvements.

How to Apply