Senior Operations Manager - Food Production

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.700.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Development opportunities

Hybrid work environment

Relocation assistance

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Operations Manager for a leading FMCG food facility in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role combines on-site leadership with strategic remote planning to drive production excellence.

You will lead a large production team, implement lean and Six Sigma, manage budgets and P&L, ensure food safety compliance, and coordinate with QA, Supply Chain and R&D to deliver top quality products.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field; Master’s preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee all daily production activities ensuring targets for volume, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize processes, reduce waste, and control costs.
• Lead and develop production supervisors and staff.
• Ensure HACCP, GMP and health & safety compliance.
• Implement Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manage production planning and scheduling to meet forecasts.
• Oversee maintenance and capex planning for reliability.
• Collaborate with QA, Supply Chain and R&D to ensure product integrity.
• Monitor budgets, KPIs, and report to senior management.
• Foster teamwork, accountability and employee engagement.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

ERP systems

Production planning

Budgeting

Educación

Bachelors in Operations Management

Bachelors in Industrial Engineering

Bachelors in Food Science

Masters degree advantageous

Herramientas

ERP systems

Production planning software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the FMCG sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Operations Manager to lead their food production facility in Bloemfontein, Free State. This critical role will oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, ensuring high standards of quality, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The Senior Operations Manager will be responsible for optimizing production processes, managing a large workforce, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This hybrid role involves significant on-site management within the Bloemfontein plant, coupled with remote planning and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food manufacturing, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep commitment to operational excellence within the demanding FMCG environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily production activities, ensuring targets for volume, quality, and efficiency are met or exceeded.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and control costs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, line leaders, and operational staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and health & safety standards.
• Implement and champion Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manage production planning and scheduling to meet demand forecasts and customer order requirements.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and capital expenditure planning to ensure operational reliability.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and R&D departments to ensure product integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Manage operational budgets, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on operational performance to senior management.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and employee engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations management, with a significant focus on food production within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in managing large teams and complex manufacturing operations.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding and practical application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and P&Ls effectively.
• Experience with production planning software and ERP systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site leadership with strategic remote planning.
• Proficiency in South African labor laws and industrial relations is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-driven bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• A key leadership role within a reputable FMCG organization.
• A dynamic hybrid work environment in Bloemfontein.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.