Production Manager

Flink Recruitment; Mokopane; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Flink Recruitment is representing a well-established edible oils manufacturer in Mokopane, Limpopo, seeking an experienced Production Manager for the solvent extraction plant. You will lead all production activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation while meeting quality, food safety and environmental standards.

This role requires a relevant engineering degree, at least 5 years in continuous process manufacturing, and 3 years in production management, with proven solvent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Diploma in Chemical/Mechanical/Process Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in a continuous process manufacturing environment.
• At least 3 years in Production Management or Supervisory role.
• Solvent extraction plant experience is non-negotiable.
• Experience in Highly Hazardous Process Environment (HHPE).
• Strong knowledge of process safety, lean manufacturing, RCA, and KPI management.

Responsibilities

• Lead all production activities within the solvent extraction plant.
• Meet production targets while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Maximise plant utilisation and output.
• Plan with maintenance to minimise downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce waste.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

KPI management

Education

National Diploma / Bachelors in Chemical/Mechanical/Process Eng

NQF Level 6 / Level 7 qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Roles and Responsibilities

Production Manager – Solvent Extraction Plant

Industry: Manufacturing / Edible Oils / Food Production

Location: Mokopane

Salary: Competitive rates, negotiable depending on experience

About the Role

Our client, a well-established manufacturer within the edible oils industry, is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead all production activities within their solvent extraction plant.

This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the plant while consistently delivering products that meet quality, food safety, environmental, and customer requirements. The successful candidate will drive production performance, maximise plant efficiency and yield, maintain compliance with statutory and process safety standards, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within a highly hazardous process environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all production activities within the solvent extraction plant.
• Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining product quality and operational efficiency.
• Maximise plant utilisation, equipment performance, and overall production output.
• Monitor production volumes and identify opportunities to improve plant performance and yield.
• Plan and coordinate production activities with maintenance teams to minimise downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise production processes and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with all quality, food safety, environmental, and statutory regulations.
• Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensure all operational standards are met.
• Implement and monitor quality control procedures, inspections, sampling, and testing protocols.
• Manage production costs through effective utilisation of raw materials, utilities, and consumables.
• Analyse production data and report on key operational performance indicators.
• Lead, mentor, and develop production teams while managing performance, training, and employee engagement.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and disciplinary standards where required.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture through risk assessments, inspections, and compliance with SHERQ requirements.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to improve plant reliability and asset performance.

Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 7) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience within a continuous process manufacturing environment.
• At least 3 years' experience in a Production Management or Supervisory role.
• Proven experience within a solvent extraction plant is non-negotiable.
• Experience working within a Highly Hazardous Process Environment (HHPE).
• Strong understanding of process safety management, continuous manufacturing, production planning, and plant optimisation.
• Knowledge of preventative and predictive maintenance principles.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and KPI management.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Proficient in ERP systems and production reporting.
• Experience within the edible oils, chemical, petrochemical, or similar process industries will be highly advantageous.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Employment Details

• Employment Type: Permanent Employment
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Work space preference: I don't mind
• Ideal work province: Limpopo
• Ideal work city: Mokopane
• Salary bracket: R 0 - 0
• Drivers License: CODE B (Car)
• Own car needed: Yes