Production Manager

Pronel Consultants; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Pronel Consultants is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a flour milling operation, overseeing production planning, people management, efficiency, quality, food safety, cost control, and continuous improvement.

The suitable candidate will have 3–5 years in production or manufacturing management and 3–5 years in a senior leadership role, managing 30+ employees, with a focus on driving operational excellence and delivering targets.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in production or manufacturing management.
• 3–5 years' experience in a senior leadership role managing 30+ staff.
• Experience in production planning, scheduling, and targets.
• Strong leadership, planning and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of BCEA, LRA and OHS.
• ISO 22000 experience advantageous.
• Flour milling or food production background preferred.
• Willingness to work overtime and flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage production operations in a flour milling environment.
• Drive efficiency, reduce downtime, and control costs.
• Ensure quality, food safety, and SOP compliance.
• Plan production, schedules, and targets; monitor performance.
• Develop and manage large production teams across departments.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Dispatch, Stores and HR.
• Provide production reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Team management

Continuous improvement

Cost control

Quality & food safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Production/Operations Management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

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.