Production Shift Manager

University of Fort Hare; Villiersdorp; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare in the Villiersdorp area is seeking a Production Shift Manager to oversee Line Managers and Supervisors, ensuring packing lines run efficiently and pack to the shift pack plans.

You will monitor KPIs, coordinate packing operations, maintain quality and health and safety standards, and drive continuous improvement across packing lines with 3–5 years in fresh produce or FMCG environments.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification or relevant operations training.
• 3–5 years in a fresh produce packhouse or FMCG production.
• 2–3 years in a junior management role.
• In-depth knowledge of production and quality of fruit (apples and pears).
• Experience managing Line Managers/Supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Line Managers and Supervisors per shift to meet targets.
• Review packing lines per packing program and report deviations.
• Pack fruit to market standards; ensure proper sizes/weights.
• Coordinate bins and packing materials for lines.
• Track shift KPIs and take corrective action on underperforming lines.
• Minimize downtime; escalate recurring issues.
• Ensure health, safety and quality standards and procedures.
• Assist with admin/reporting for audits.

Skills

Team leadership

Shift management

KPI tracking

People management

Education

Operations qualification

Tools

Vitrax

MS Office

Job description

Our client is a leading producer of deciduous fruit for both local and international markets. We are seeking to recruit a Production Shift Manager based in the Villiersdorp Area. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the Line Manager and Supervisors on their shift, ensuring the packing lines run efficiently and pack to the specific pack plans assigned per shift.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage Line Managers and Supervisors per shift to ensure packing programmes are effectively implemented, and production targets are met
• Review packing lines according to packing program and report on deviations to the Production Manager
• Packing of fruits according to correct market requirements and standards
• Coordinate bins and packing material process for packing lines
• Track and report on shift KPIs (kg packed per line, pack-out %, downtime) and take corrective action on underperforming lines
• Manage production/pack line downtime to a minimum, escalating recurring mechanical or resourcing issues
• Continual quality inspection throughout the day according to the packing program
• Receive and analyse quality reports and coordinate adjustments to packing when appropriate
• Check sizes and weights of fruit and adjust diameter, if necessary
• Manage the allocation of wage staff across lines in line with the pack plan and labour availability, adjusting for absenteeism and throughput changes during the shift
• Assist with relevant administration and/or reporting for audit purposes
• Ensure adherence to relevant health & safety standards
• Management of BRCGS and relevant quality standards and procedures

Requirements

• Tertiary Qualification or relevant training in operations
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a fresh produce packhouse or FMCG production environment, with at least 2-3 years in a Junior Management role
• In-depth knowledge of production and quality of fruit (apples and pears)
• Experience managing a team through Line Managers/Supervisors
• Sound computer knowledge (Vitrax and MS Office)