Production Manager

DC Meat; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Meat is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily operations at our cold meat facility. You will ensure efficient production, maintain high quality and food safety standards, manage staff, control costs, and drive continuous improvements.

Key responsibilities include production planning, cost monitoring, and leading teams to achieve targets while meeting regulatory requirements. A strong background in HACCP/GMP and meat processing is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a production management role within meat processing or food manufacturing.
• Experience producing cold meats and cooked meat products.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety systems, and hygiene standards.
• Experience managing large production teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage daily production activities and schedules.
• Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining product quality.
• Monitor raw material usage, wastage, and production costs.
• Ensure recipes and product specifications are adhered to.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and profitability.
• Lead, supervise, and develop production teams to achieve objectives.

Skills

Team leadership

Cost control

Quality systems (HACCP/GMP)

Production planning

Inventory management

Staff management

Problem-solving

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

Job description

DC Meat is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily operations within our cold meat manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient production, maintaining the highest quality and food safety standards, managing staff, controlling costs, and driving continuous operational improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan, coordinate, and manage daily production activities and schedules.
• Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining product quality and consistency.
• Monitor raw material usage, wastage, and production costs.
• Ensure recipes and product specifications are strictly adhered to.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure sufficient stock is produced to meet operational requirements.

Quality Assurance & Food Safety

• Ensure all products meet company, customer, and regulatory quality standards.
• Maintain strict compliance with HACCP, GMP, Occupational Health & Safety, and food safety regulations.
• Monitor quality control processes throughout production.
• Investigate and resolve quality deviations and food safety incidents.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor stock levels of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Ensure proper stock rotation and adherence to FIFO principles.
• Conduct and oversee stock counts, investigate variances, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Minimise waste and maximise operational efficiencies.
• Track and report production KPIs, yields, and operational performance.
• Lead, supervise, and develop production teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Manage workforce planning, shift schedules, productivity, and performance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and labour legislation.

Equipment & Factory Maintenance

• Ensure all machinery and equipment are operated correctly and maintained effectively.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance programmes to minimise downtime.
• Maintain high standards of factory cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a production management role within a meat processing or food manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in the production of cold meats and cooked meat products.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety systems, and hygiene standards.
• Experience managing large production teams.
• Strong understanding of production planning, costing, stock control, yields, and factory operations.
• Computer literacy and experience with production reporting systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent planning and organisational ability.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Results-driven with sound commercial awareness.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Remuneration

Market-related salary package based on qualifications, experience, and performance.