Production Manager

Westfalia Fruit; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 90 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global fruit supplier is seeking a Production Manager to oversee daily operations of ripening, processing, and packing. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with health and food safety regulations, manage stock and staff, and drive productivity and continuous improvement. A Degree or National Diploma in Operations Management is required along with at least 5 years of relevant production experience. The role offers a comprehensive remuneration package including provident fund and bonus options.

Benefits

Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package

Provident fund

Insured benefits

Annual bonus options

Qualifications

• Matric Certificate required.
• Degree or Diploma in Operations Management or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years production experience in FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of ripening, processing, and packing.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Manage stock and consumables efficiently.

Skills

Strong communication skills

High levels of integrity

Attention to detail

Operational decision-making

Team motivation

Education

Degree or National Diploma in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field

Matric Certificate

5+ years' production experience

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., D365)

Advanced MS Office

Job description

Westfalia Fruit is a leading global supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to international markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado‑growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as avocado experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Production Manager

Purpose of the role

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily ripening, processing, and packing operations to ensure products are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, in full, and in accordance with required quality standards. The role focuses on driving productivity, reducing waste and costs, maintaining compliance with health, safety, and food‑safety requirements, and ensuring continuous improvement across all production activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor packing lines and production processes, find problems, and help improve efficiency
• Manage stock and consumables, work with maintenance on equipment checks, and keep the plant running smoothly with minimal downtime
• Ensure all packing and processing follow set procedures, specifications, and quality standards
• Monitor & Control ripening processes for avocados and mangoes to ensure the best quality and shelf life
• Apply waste‑control measures, record issues, and report problems for corrective action
• Prepare and monitor budgets, ensuring resources are used wisely and operations stay on track
• Handle all work orders in the ERP system (e.g., D365) accurately and on time
• Review financial and operational data with the Operations Manager to identify issues, reduce costs, and support decisions
• Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure compliance with environmental, water use, health & safety regulations
• Monitor product quality at key control points (including oil quality) to ensure compliance with standards
• Carry out internal audits and support long‑term plans to maintain certifications for food safety, health & safety, and ethical standards
• Oversee accurate and timely dispatch records in both the ERP system and manual logs, including loadout preparation
• Manage stock arrivals, ensure correct ERP entries, and assist with storage planning and capacity management
• Responsible for ensuring Health & Safety compliance across operations
• Lead hazard identification, maintain site‑specific risk assessments, and drive continuous safety improvements
• Manage recruitment and onboarding for permanent and seasonal staff, including pre‑employment medicals

Education

• Matric Certificate
• Degree or National Diploma in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years' production experience within FMCG, preferably fresh produce or high‑velocity environments
• 2+ years' experience in Health & Safety (8(1) or 8(2) responsibility)
• Hands‑on experience with food safety, quality, and compliance systems
• 2-3 years' experience working with ERP systems (e.g., D365)
• Advanced MS Office proficiency with strong data and reporting capability
• Knowledge of basic biochemistry relating to fruit handling and ripening

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong communication skills with the ability to motivate and engage teams
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions
• Strong attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset
• Resilient, energetic, and able to perform under pressure
• Technical aptitude with the ability to address operational issues

Benefits

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 12 December 2025.

NB: Should you not receive correspondence on 31 January 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.