Production Shift Manager - Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Generous annual leave

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Production Shift Manager to oversee Durban operations in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. The role requires strong leadership to manage a shift, drive output, quality, and safety targets, and optimize production processes in a high‑pace environment.

The successful candidate will lead production staff, monitor lines for downtime, and ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and health and safety standards while maintaining accurate production records and

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Food Technology or Operations Management is highly desirable.
• Experience in production management or supervisory role within food & beverage manufacturing is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all production activities during an assigned shift, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to schedules.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of production staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Monitor production lines, troubleshoot issues, and implement immediate solutions to minimize downtime and waste.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations (HACCP, FSSC 22000) and quality control standards.
• Maintain accurate production records, including output, waste, and labor utilization.
• Implement and enforce health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to ensure smooth workflow and product delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing operational costs.
• Manage shift handover procedures effectively to ensure continuity of operations.

Education

Tertiary qualification in Food Technology or Operations Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, is actively searching for a skilled and motivated Production Shift Manager to oversee operations at their facility in Durban. This crucial role demands exceptional leadership capabilities to manage a production shift, ensuring targets for output, quality, and safety are consistently achieved. The successful candidate will be instrumental in optimizing production processes, managing staff, and maintaining a high-performance culture within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is a hands‑on role requiring a strong understanding of food safety standards and manufacturing best practices in KwaZulu‑Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all production activities during an assigned shift, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to schedules.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of production staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Monitor production lines, troubleshoot issues, and implement immediate solutions to minimize downtime and waste.
• Ensure strict compliance with all food safety regulations (HACCP, FSSC 22000) and quality control standards.
• Maintain accurate production records, including output, waste, and labor utilization.
• Implement and enforce health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to ensure smooth workflow and product delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing operational costs.
• Manage shift handover procedures effectively to ensure continuity of operations.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Operations Management, or a related field is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in a production management or supervisory role within the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
• Demonstrated experience in managing production shifts and leading teams.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and quality management systems (HACCP, GMP).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes specific to Durban's industrial landscape.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as required by the shift schedule.
• Proficiency in using production management software and basic computer skills.
• A proactive approach to health, safety, and environmental management.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance-based bonus structure and comprehensive medical aid.
• Employees also have access to a provident fund, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career advancement within a well-established company.
• The role is based at a modern facility in Durban with ample parking and a supportive team environment.
• We are committed to employee well-being and provide training to support professional growth.