Production Manager

Westfalia Fruit; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global supplier of fresh fruit is seeking a Production Manager in Gauteng to oversee daily operations and ensure timely and compliant product delivery. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years in FMCG production, experience with food safety systems, and strong leadership skills. This role requires a proactive mind focused on driving productivity and continuous improvement within a fast-paced environment. A comprehensive remuneration package is offered, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Provident fund

Insured benefits

Annual bonus option

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' production experience within FMCG, preferably in fresh produce.
• 2+ years' experience in Health & Safety.
• Hands-on experience with food safety and compliance systems.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably D.
• Advanced MS Office with strong data capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to achieve productivity and efficiency targets.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and compliance standards.
• Manage and develop production teams.
• Oversee stock accuracy and equipment reliability.
• Coordinate logistics and ensure accurate dispatch.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Operational decision-making

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Degree or National Diploma in Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Westfalia Fruit is a leading global supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to international markets.

Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as avocado experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Westfalia Fruit Product, situated in Midrand, has an open role for a suitably qualified and experienced Production Manager

Purpose of the role

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily ripening, processing, and packing operations to ensure products are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, in full, and in accordance with required quality standards.

The role focuses on driving productivity, reducing waste and costs, maintaining compliance with health, safety, and food-safety requirements, and ensuring continuous improvement across all production activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily production operations to achieve OTIF, yield, throughput, and efficiency targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, quality, Health & Safety, and compliance standards.
• Drive operational discipline, continuous improvement, and process optimisation across all production lines.
• Manage and develop production supervisors and teams, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and training.
• Oversee ripening protocols, stock accuracy, equipment reliability, and plant uptime.
• Manage waste control, quality deviations, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate on budgeting, cost control, and ERP (D) work-order processing.
• Support internal audits and maintain required certifications (ISO, food safety, etc.).
• Coordinate logistics, dispatch accuracy, and vehicle movement to ensure seamless delivery

Education

Degree or National Diploma in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' production experience within FMCG, preferably fresh produce or high-velocity environments.
• 2+ years' experience in Health & Safety (8 or 8 responsibility).
• Hands-on experience with food safety, quality, and compliance systems.
• 2–3 years' experience working with ERP systems (e.g., D).
• Advanced MS Office proficiency with strong data and reporting capability.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong communication skills with the ability to motivate and engage teams.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Resilient, energetic, and able to perform under pressure.
• Strong understanding of FMCG production principles and performance drivers.
• Deep knowledge of food-safety, quality, and compliance systems.
• Solid grasp of Health & Safety and waste management practices.
• Technical aptitude with the ability to address operational issues.
• Understanding of labour law basics and workforce planning.
• Knowledge of basic biochemistry relating to fruit handling and ripening.
• Competence in budgeting, cost control, and operational financial management.

Benefits

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 09 December

NB : Should you not receive correspondence 31 January , please regard your application as being unsuccessful.