Queenstown: Processed Cheese Supervisor posted by Headhunters

Our client in the Dairy industry is seeking to employ an experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor to their team based in Queenstown.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric

• Minimum 5 years experience in processed cheese manufacturing, including supervisory experience

• Extensive technical experience in slice-on-slice cheese production (non-negotiable)

• Relevant qualification in Food Technology, Dairy Processing, or equivalent (NQF 4 minimum; NQF 5+ and further dairy certifications advantageous)

• In-depth understanding of FSSC 22000 V6, including implementation and audit readiness

• Strong knowledge of high-care manufacturing environments and HACCP principles

• Proven experience in managing production KPIs (yield, waste, quality, efficiency)

Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership

  • Manage all production activities within the slice-on-slice department

  • Plan, schedule, and monitor daily output performance

  • Lead Team Leaders and 15 production staff, ensuring effective manpower utilisation

  • Maintain adherence to production targets, efficiency standards, and customer specifications

  Food Safety and Quality Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), internal policies, and regulatory requirements

  • Monitor CCPs, hygiene standards, allergen controls, and GMP compliance

  • Lead internal and external audits, ensuring 100% audit readiness

  Performance and Cost Control

  • Drive yield optimisation, material control, waste reduction, and cost efficiency

  • Analyse departmental KPIs, variances, and corrective actions

  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce downtime

  People Management and Development

  • Provide clear leadership, coaching, and performance management for team leaders and production staff

  • Ensure skills development, SOP compliance, and adherence to safety procedures

  • Maintain a high-performance, disciplined departmental culture

  Stakeholder and Customer Interaction

  • Engage with Quality, Technical, Warehouse and Distribution, and SHE teams

  • Participate in customer visits and ensure compliance with global QSR standards

Please note that if you do not receive a response withing two weeks of applying, you many consider your application unsuccessful.