Production Manager

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

Job summary

A dairy manufacturing client is seeking an experienced Production Manager (Cheese) to oversee the full production and packaging process in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The successful candidate must have 7–10 years of experience in cheese production, strong leadership skills, and a degree in Food Technology or related field. Key responsibilities include ensuring product quality, food safety compliance, and optimizing operational efficiency. This permanent role is pivotal for the team's success in maintaining high standards.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric is required.
• 7–10 years' experience in cheese production with 5 years in management.
• Strong understanding of FSSC 22000, HACCP, and GMP.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall cheese production and packaging operations.
• Plan daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Planning

Education

Degree or Diploma in Food Technology

Dairy Science

Production Management

Job description

Engineering / Technical / Production / Manufacturing / Motor

South Africa - Eastern Cape , Chris Hani (Cradock / Queenstown)

A client of ours in the dairy manufacturing industry is seeking an experienced Production Manager (Cheese) to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.

This is a permanent role responsible for overseeing the full cheese production and packaging process, ensuring high product quality, operational efficiency, food safety compliance, and strong team leadership.

Location

Queenstown, Eastern Cape

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Production Management, or related field.
• 7–10 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

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