Production Manager (FMCG)

Staff Solutions Recruitment; Komani; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A staffing agency is seeking an experienced Operations Manager in cheese production. The role involves overseeing production processes, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and leading the production team. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and strong leadership skills, with a minimum of 7–10 years in cheese production, including 5 years in management. This position is essential for achieving operational excellence and maintaining product quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in cheese production, 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 and KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all cheese production and packaging processes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop production teams.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Operational management

Education

Degree/Diploma in Food Technology

Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent

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>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 710 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