Production Manager – Food Packaging (JB5667)

Kontak Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in Johannesburg is looking for a hands-on Production Manager to oversee end-to-end operations in a fast-paced food packaging facility. The role requires 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, strong team leadership abilities, and proficiency in Excel. The ideal candidate will enforce safety standards and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This is a permanent position with a salary range of R30,000 – R35,000 per month, negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food/FMCG.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.
• Willing to work overtime when required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production operations from raw materials to finished goods.
• Lead production teams to meet output and quality targets.
• Enforce safety and hygiene standards across shifts.
• Drive continuous improvement and waste-reduction initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Data-driven mindset

Continuous improvement orientation

Excel proficiency

Education

Diploma in Production/Operations Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Overview

Production Manager – Food Packaging (JB5667)

City Deep, Johannesburg

Compensation: R 30 – 35 000 CTC per month (negotiable based on experience) • Permanent

Seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead end-to-end operations at a fast-moving food packaging facility. You’ll own daily planning, people management, quality, safety, and continuous improvement to hit output, cost, and waste targets.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma in Production/Operations Management (advantageous).
• 6+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment (food/FMCG preferred).
• Proven team leadership and problem-solving track record.
• Proficient in MS Office (strong Excel). Experience with ERP/MRP (e.g., Syspro or similar) advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.
• Willing and able to work overtime when required.
• Familiarity with Food Management Systems/3rd-party audits (e.g., Intertek or equivalent).
• Strong people leadership, coaching and conflict resolution.
• Planning & prioritisation in a high-pressure environment.
• Root-cause analysis and practical problem solving.
• Data-driven mindset with solid Excel reporting.
• Continuous improvement/lean orientation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end production from raw materials to finished, packaged goods.
• Lead, coach, roster and performance-manage production teams to achieve daily/weekly output and OEE targets.
• Enforce food safety, quality, health & safety, and hygiene standards across shifts.
• Execute daily/weekly production plans; adjust in real time for breakdowns, changeovers, and staffing constraints.
• Drive continuous improvement, lean, and waste-reduction initiatives (yield, scrap, rework).
• Manage warehouse interface: intake, storage, stock accuracy, and dispatch coordination.
• Maintain and improve compliance to Food Management System requirements and audit readiness.
• Train and upskill staff to build multi-skilled, high-performing teams.
• Produce accurate shift, downtime, and KPI reporting; escalate risks proactively.

Please do not apply using Scanned CVs, no supporting documentation is required at this point, this will be requested later.

IMPORTANT: We specialize in specific niche fields. Regret that we are unable to provide assistance for any fields outside of this scope. Fields can be viewed on our website.

Kontak Recruitment Disclaimer: Equal opportunity: All backgrounds are welcomed, with no bias. All are considered based on requirements.

Job specifics: Requirements mirror advertisement, duties may adjust for client needs.

Fair process: Fair assessment, only shortlisted candidates contacted due to volume.

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Offer clarity: Advert is not a binding offer. Written offers based on pre-employment conditions.

No direct link: Advert is not tied to Kontak Recruitment. We assist in the employment process ONLY.

Applicant Responsibility: Upon applying, confirmation of receipt for a specific advert is given. If no confirmation is received, you must verify with Kontak Recruitment.