Production Manager - Food Manufacturing (CAPE TOWN)

The Focus Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Focus Group is seeking an experienced Operations Manager in Cape Town to oversee scheduling and ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders. This multifaceted role includes balancing resources, enforcing production standards, and managing budgets.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and over 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, alongside expertise in lean methodologies and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a high-turnover, multi-line manufacturing facility.
• Proven ability to manage plant budgets and monitor costs.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing schedules to ensure timely customer order fulfilment.
• Balance resource allocation including workforce shifts and raw material inputs.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and execute rapid troubleshooting procedures.
• Enforce production standards in alignment with quality management systems.
• Manage plant budgets and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Oversee preventive maintenance to minimize unexpected machinery failures.

Skills

Lean manufacturing methodologies

Software proficiency with MRP and ERP

Data analytics capabilities

Decisive problem-solving

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, or industrial management

Job description

Operations & Scheduling

• Develop manufacturing schedules to ensure timely customer order fulfilment.
• Balance resource allocation including workforce shifts and raw material inputs.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and execute rapid troubleshooting procedures.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with procurement, engineering, and logistics teams.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Enforce production standards in alignment with quality management systems.
• Uphold safety regulations to guarantee compliance with health and environmental laws.
• Monitor line rejects rates and execute root-cause analyses on structural defects.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage plant budgets and monitor labour, material, and overhead costs.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as run speed, downtime, and yield.
• Compile production reports regularly for senior corporate leadership.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Oversee preventive maintenance to minimize unexpected machinery failures.
• Approve equipment upgrades and manage capital expenditure testing setups.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise floor personnel including operators, supervisors, and quality inspectors.
• Conduct performance appraisals and execute necessary disciplinary or coaching plans.
• Organize safety training and skills development modules for factory staff.

Skills and Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, or industrial management.
• 5+ years of experience in a high-turnover, multi-line manufacturing facility.

Technical Proficiencies

• Lean manufacturing methodologies including 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma applications.
• Software proficiency with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and ERP frameworks.
• Data analytics capabilities to evaluate spreadsheet metrics and optimize process flows.

Core Competencies

• Decisive problem-solving under intense deadline and output pressures.
• Clear communication style tailored for both floor operators and executive boards.