Strategic Production Manager – Agricultural Processing

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Career development & relocation aid

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks an experienced Production Manager to lead and optimize all production activities from raw materials to finished goods. The role emphasizes Lean thinking, Six Sigma, budget discipline, and strong team leadership in a major agricultural processing setting.

You will drive continuous improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and QA teams to meet ambitious production goals while maintaining high quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in production management in agricultural processing or food manufacturing.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale production operations and teams.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma or other CI methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in budget management and cost control.
• Proficient with production planning and scheduling software.
• Commitment to safety, quality and environmental responsibility.
• Willing to relocate to Upington, Northern Cape and adapt to operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all production activities, ensuring alignment with company objectives and strategic goals.
• Develop and implement production plans to meet demand forecasts and operational targets.
• Oversee the efficiency and effectiveness of production processes, identifying and implementing improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to all quality control standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and develop the production team, fostering a culture of performance, safety, and continuous learning.
• Oversee budget management for the production department, controlling costs and optimizing resource allocation.
• Implement and maintain robust health, safety, and environmental management systems.
• Collaborate with other departments, including supply chain, engineering, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions to address any deviations.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance production capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Cost control

Production planning

Quality & safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business Administration

Tools

Production planning software

Job description

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks an experienced Production Manager to lead and optimize all production activities from raw materials to finished goods. The role emphasizes Lean thinking, Six Sigma, budget discipline, and strong team leadership in a major agricultural processing setting.

You will drive continuous improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and QA teams to meet ambitious production goals while maintaining high quality