Production Manager (Fresh Produce)

Greenmarble; Alberton; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce company in South Africa is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee operations in a cold-chain environment. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of management experience and a strong understanding of fresh produce handling and food safety standards. Responsibilities include managing production schedules, enforcing compliance with quality standards, supervising teams, and driving efficiency. This full-time position requires excellent leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Min. of 3 to 5 years experience in Production Management or Operations.
• Experience in fresh produce cold-chain processes.
• Strong operational understanding of fresh produce handling, packing, and cold-chain processes.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and manage daily production schedules across all lines.
• Ensure efficiency in the staging and movement of produce.
• Enforce compliance with food safety protocols and hygiene standards.
• Supervise and motivate production supervisors and staff.
• Monitor budget targets and implement cost-saving opportunities.
• Track production KPIs and generate reports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Diploma or degree in Operations Management

Job description

Are you working in a fresh produce / cold chain environment

WE WANT YOU IF YOU HAVE A :

• Min. of 3 to 5 years experience in Production Management or Operations.
• fresh produce cold-chain processes.
• A strong leader with 3 - 5 years of management exp.

For any questions contact Nicole on : or email : emailprotected

Minimum requirements

• Diploma or degree in Operations Management Production Management Supply Chain or a related field (advantageous).
• 35 years experience in a production or operations environment ideally in fresh produce food processing or FMCG.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a high-paced environment.
• Knowledge of cold-chain logistics and produce quality standards preferred.
• Strong operational understanding of fresh produce handling packing and cold-chain processes.
• Experience with production planning and workflow optimisation.
• Knowledge of food safety hygiene and quality standards.

Personality Traits

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.

Duties and responsibilities

Operational Management

Plan organise and manage daily production schedules across all processing and packing lines.

• Ensure efficient staging allocation and movement of produce from receiving to dispatch.
• Maintain optimal workflow to meet customer orders and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate closely with Staging QC Procurement Dispatch and Operations teams to ensure alignment and operational continuity.

Quality and Food Safety

Enforce compliance with all food safety protocols hygiene standards and internal QA requirements.

• Work with the Quality Control team to resolve quality deviations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Monitor produce-handling practices to minimise waste and maintain product integrity.

Team Leadership

Supervise lead and motivate production supervisors line leaders and general staff.

• Schedule shifts manage attendance and ensure adequate staffing for operational demands.
• Provide ongoing coaching performance management and skills development.

Cost and Resource Management

Manage labour efficiency and control overtime to meet budget targets.

• Monitor consumables packaging materials and equipment usage to minimise waste.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within production operations.

Equipment and Facility Oversight

Ensure all equipment functions optimally and coordinate maintenance as needed.

• Maintain a clean organised and safe production environment.
• Report facility or equipment issues promptly to Maintenance or Management.

Data Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Track production KPIs such as throughput accuracy waste downtime and labour productivity.

• Generate daily weekly and monthly production reports.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives including workflow optimisation process enhancements and automation opportunities.
• Ensure accurate documentation relating to traceability production logs and compliance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Achieve order fulfilment accuracy and on-time dispatch.

• Maintain production throughput and workflow efficiency.
• Manage labour cost versus budget and productivity per hour.
• Minimise waste and shrink levels.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and audit standards.
• Monitor staff performance retention and attendance.
• Maximise equipment uptime and reduce downtime.

Working Conditions

Operate in a cold-chain environment with extended periods of standing and movement.

• Work early mornings late shifts weekends or public holidays as required during peak periods.
• Perform effectively in a fast-paced demanding operational setting.

Required Experience

Manager

Key Skills

Ruby,Typing,Customer Service,.NET,Hadoop,Haskell,Customer Support,Teradata,Java,Clojure,CPT Coding,4G / LTE

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1