Production Manager (Food Industry)

Time Personnel; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a skilled Production Manager for a food operation in Cape Town. You will oversee production processes, manage inventory, and ensure quality standards are met. Ideal candidates should have experience in the food industry, proven leadership abilities, and a relevant qualification. This role offers a dynamic work environment with significant responsibilities in driving operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a production management role in the food industry, preferably in a restaurant or catering.
• Hands-on leadership experience in a fast-paced food environment.

Responsibilities

• Draw up a production schedule and monitor processes.
• Manage all activities within the production process.
• Develop and implement production policies and SOPs.
• Train staff and supervise employee performance.
• Manage supplier relationships affecting production.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team

Excellent organisational and planning skills

Ability to problem-solve and make sound decisions

Flexible and adaptable to changing needs

Education

Matric certificate and relevant tertiary qualification in operations or production

Job description

Production Manager (Food Industry) required in Cape Town.

Are you experienced in the food sector, leading teams, driving operational excellence for successful production processes? Our client based in Claremont needs a Product Manager to run their successful food operation in line with sales targets, managing inventory, quality, staff, suppliers and new product development.

Excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced food environment delivering quality, efficiency, and team performance.

Requirements:

• Matric certificate and relevant tertiary qualification in operations or production
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a production management role in the food industry (preferably in a restaurant and/or catering environment)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage production schedules and meet deadlines
• Ability to problem-solve and make sound decisions
• Flexible and adaptable to changing needs in a dynamic environment

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draw up a production schedule and monitor processes in line with sales forecasts, capacity and resources
• Manage all activities within the production process, including maintenance and the workforce
• Develop, implement and enforce production policies and SOPs
• Manage Inventory requirements – daily stock levels in line with production usage
• Track shrinkage and wastage on a weekly, monthly and annual basis
• Keep accurate records of stock takes twice a month, update stock data system, document wastage
• Define and implement product quality standards (including weight testing)
• Ensure recipes are followed and products are produced to standard daily
• Train staff, supervise/motivate employees, & department (contracts/leave/sick/pay)
• Manage strict health checks, product costs, assist with new product costing models
• Analyse budgets and continuously control production costs and identify/rectify waste measures
• Identify opportunities for expense reduction/savings
• Manage all supplier relationships affecting production
• Manage and support SHEQ initiatives and objectives for products and staff
• Assess production constraints for new products
• Manage logistics to ensure production coincides with launch dates
• Define and implement product quality standards (including weight testing)
• Ensure recipes are followed and products are produced to standard daily
• Train staff on quality standards and monitor ongoing adherence to standards
• Enforce product quality and time management standards
• Conduct regular quality checks through taste panels
• Plan and schedule regular cleaning
• Maintain strict health checks to mitigate any risk of transference to products, customers or staff
• Devise and implement customer retention strategies and loyalty programmes
• Monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and report performance
• Understand raw material pricing and fluctuations throughout the year
• Determine optimal purchasing times (e.g., specials)
• Manage product costs and assist with new product costing models
• Analyse budgets and continuously control production costs and identify/rectify waste measures
• Identify opportunities for expense reduction/savings
• Prepare and report on product costing & wastage (weekly, monthly and annually)
• Manage logistics to ensure production coincides with launch dates