Production Manager (FMCG)

Staff Solutions; Komani; On-site; ZAR 480 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company is seeking a Production Manager in Eastern Cape to oversee cheese production operations. The ideal candidate must have 7-10 years of experience in cheese production, with strong leadership and analytical skills. Responsibilities include managing production schedules, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This is an opportunity to lead a team and contribute to operational excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years' experience in cheese production.
• At least 5 years at a management level.
• Strong working knowledge of FSSC 22000.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cheese production and packaging processes.
• Implement best-practice lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Process improvement

Education

Degree/Diploma in Food Technology, Dairy Science, or Production Management

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee all cheese production and packaging processes ensuring consistent output and adherence to production schedules
• Plan and manage daily, weekly and monthly production schedules in line with business forecasts and customer demand
• Optimise equipment utilisation and minimise downtime through proactive maintenance coordination with Engineering
• Implement best‑practice lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput, efficiency and waste reduction

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), HACCP, GMP and all relevant regulatory requirements
• Lead internal and external audits ensuring 100% audit readiness
• Implement, monitor and maintain critical control points (CCPs), hygiene standards, allergen controls and product traceability
• Ensure finished products consistently meet quality specifications for texture, flavour, moisture and packaging standards

Cost & Performance Management

• Track and manage production KPIs including yield, throughput, wastage, labour productivity, downtime and cost per unit
• Analyse production data to identify trends, issues and opportunities for continuous improvement
• Implement corrective actions to address inefficiencies, quality deviations or non‑compliance incidents

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and frontline staff
• Set clear performance objectives and accountability for all production areas
• Foster a culture of safety, discipline, high performance, and continuous improvement
• Ensure adequate succession planning and skills development within the department

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Drive operational excellence initiatives to improve process reliability, reduce waste, and enhance product quality
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and process innovations that could improve efficiency or product consistency
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for recurring production issues

Job Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent.
• Degree/Diploma in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Production Management, or related field
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in cheese production (hard, processed or mozzarella), with at least 5 years at a management level
• Strong working knowledge of FSSC 22000 and high-care manufacturing environments
• Proven track record in managing production budgets, KPIs and large operational teams
• Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving capability
• Hands‑on, decisive and results‑oriented leadership style
• Excellent analytical, planning and operational problem‑solving capability
• Ability to lead teams under pressure and deliver results in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence

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