Production Manager

Green Marble Recruitment Consultants; Komani; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 650 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Production Manager for cheese production in Komani, Eastern Cape. The ideal candidate will oversee and optimize production operations while ensuring compliance with FSSC 22000 standards. This role requires a minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in cheese production, with at least 5 years in a management position. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to quality in a fast-paced environment are essential. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years' experience in cheese production, with at least 5 years at a management level.
• Strong working knowledge of FSSC 22000 and high-care manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in managing production budgets, KPIs, and operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all cheese production and packaging processes.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Track and manage production KPIs for continuous improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop production staff.
• Collaborate with various teams for seamless operations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree/Diploma in Food Technology/Dairy Science

Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent

Job description

SUMMARY

PRODUCTION MANAGER (PROCESSED CHEESE)

Location: Queenstown, Eastern Cape

NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Degree/Diploma inn Food Technology/Diary Science
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in cheese production
• Minimum 5 years management experience

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Production Manager – Cheese Manufacturing will oversee and optimise all cheese production and packaging operations in a high-care, FSSC 22000–certified environment. This role is accountable for safe, high-quality output, operational efficiency, cost control, and KPI delivery. The incumbent will provide strong, hands‑on leadership, ensure full food safety and quality compliance, and drive continuous improvement in line with business and customer requirements.

POSITION INFO

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent.
• Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Production Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in cheese production (hard, processed, or mozzarella), with at least 5 years at a management level.
• Strong working knowledge of FSSC 22000 and high-care manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in managing production budgets, KPIs, and large operational teams.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving capability.
• Hands‑on, decisive, and results‑oriented leadership style.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and operational problem-solving capability.
• Ability to lead teams under pressure and deliver results in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Attention to detail, disciplined execution, and focus on quality compliance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Management: Oversee all cheese production and packaging processes, ensuring consistent output and adherence to production schedules. Plan and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules in line with business forecasts and customer demand. Optimise equipment utilisation and minimise downtime through proactive maintenance coordination. Implement best‑practice lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Food Safety, Quality, and Compliance: Ensure full compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), HACCP, GMP, and all relevant regulatory requirements. Lead internal and external audits, ensuring 100% audit readiness. Implement, monitor, and maintain critical control points (CCPs), hygiene standards, allergen controls, and product traceability. Ensure finished products consistently meet quality specifications for texture, flavour, moisture, and packaging standards.
• Cost and Performance Management: Track and manage production KPIs, including yield, throughput, wastage, labour productivity, downtime, and cost per unit. Analyse production data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for continuous improvement. Implement corrective actions to address inefficiencies, quality deviations, or non‑compliance incidents.
• People Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and frontline staff. Set clear performance objectives and accountability for all production areas. Foster a culture of safety, discipline, high performance, and continuous improvement. Ensure adequate succession planning and skills development within the department.
• Stakeholder and Customer Engagement: Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Technical, and SHE teams to ensure seamless operations. Participate in customer visits, technical reviews, and ensure customer requirements are fully understood and implemented. Act as the primary point of escalation for any production or quality issues impacting key customers.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Drive operational excellence initiatives to improve process reliability, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and process innovations that could improve efficiency or product consistency. Lead root cause analysis investigations for recurring production issues.