Alberton: Production Manager (Fresh Produce)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our fresh produce operations in Alberton. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in production management, supply chain, or a related field, with 35 years of experience in a production or operations environment. They will be responsible for overseeing daily production schedules, ensuring efficient workflow, and maintaining high-quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and manage daily production schedules across all processing and packing lines.
• Ensure efficient staging, allocation, and movement of produce from receiving to dispatch.
• Maintain optimal workflow to meet customer orders and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate closely with Staging, QC, Procurement, Dispatch, and Operations teams to ensure alignment and operational continuity.
• Enforce compliance with all food safety protocols, hygiene standards, and internal QA requirements.
• Work with the Quality Control team to resolve quality deviations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Monitor produce-handling practices to minimise waste and maintain product integrity.
• Supervise, lead, and motivate production supervisors, line leaders, and general staff.
• Schedule shifts, manage attendance, and ensure adequate staffing for operational demands.
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance management, and skills development.
• Manage labour efficiency and control overtime to meet budget targets.
• Monitor consumables, packaging materials, and equipment usage to minimise waste.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within production operations.
• Ensure all equipment functions optimally and coordinate maintenance as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe production environment.
• Track production KPIs such as throughput, accuracy, waste, downtime, and labour productivity.
• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly production reports.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including workflow optimisation, process enhancements, and automation opportunities.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Operations Management, Production Management, Supply Chain, or a related field (advantageous).
• 35 years experience in a production or operations environment, ideally in fresh produce, food processing, or FMCG.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a high-paced environment.
• Knowledge of cold-chain logistics and produce quality standards preferred.

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications not specified.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary details not specified.