Production Manager

Pronel Personnel; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pronel Personnel is seeking an experienced Production Manager for a leading flour milling operation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. You will oversee production planning, drive efficiency, manage a large team, and ensure quality and food safety across the mill.

The role emphasizes SOP implementation, cost control, and collaboration with Maintenance, Quality, Dispatch and HR to achieve targets and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Production Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Food Technology, Business Management, or related field.
• Strong leadership, planning, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to analyse production data, efficiency metrics and costs.
• Working knowledge of BCEA, LRA and OHS requirements.
• ISO 22000 experience is advantageous.
• Flour milling experience advantageous but not essential; strong manufacturing or food production background welcome.
• SAGMA qualification is advantageous.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to work overtime and flexible hours when operationally required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage production planning, scheduling and achieving targets.
• Provide leadership for a 30+ person production team and develop staff.
• Drive production efficiency, reduce downtime, control costs and minimise waste.
• Implement SOPs and ensure quality and food safety standards.
• Prepare production reporting and analyse operational performance.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Dispatch, Stores and HR to optimise operations.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Team management

Cost control

Quality & food safety

SOP implementation

Data analysis

Downtime reduction

Communication

Overtime willingness

ISO 22000 experience

SAGMA advantageous

BCEA, LRA, OHS knowledge

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Education

Bachelor's degree in Production Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

A leading flour milling company is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead and manage its flour milling operation, overseeing production planning, people management, efficiency, quality, food safety, cost control, and continuous improvement.

Who We Are Looking For

A strong, results-driven leader who will take overall responsibility for the Production function and ensure the Mill operates safely, efficiently, and consistently.

The suitable candidate will have experience in:

• 3–5 years' experience in Production or Manufacturing Management, preferably within food, FMCG, milling, or processing.

• 3–5 years' experience in a senior leadership role, managing a team of 30+ employees.

• Leading and managing production operations within a manufacturing environment.

• Production planning, scheduling, and achieving production targets.

• Managing and developing large production teams.

• Performance management and disciplinary processes.

• Driving production efficiency, reducing downtime, controlling costs, and minimising waste.

• SOP implementation and compliance.

• Quality management and food safety standards.

• Production reporting and analysis of operational performance.

• Working closely with Maintenance, Quality, Dispatch, Stores, and HR.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor's degree in Production Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Food Technology, Business Management, or a related field.

• Strong leadership, planning, organisational, and communication skills.

• Ability to analyse production data, efficiency metrics, and costs.

• Working knowledge of BCEA, LRA, and OHS requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• ISO 22000 experience is advantageous.

• Flour milling experience is advantageous but not essential. Candidates from a strong manufacturing or food production background who demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn the technical aspects of flour milling will be considered.

• SAGMA qualification is advantageous.

• Valid driver's licence.

• Willingness to work overtime and flexible hours when operationally required.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational excellence, developing a high-performing team, and ensuring the continued efficiency and growth of the flour milling operation.