Alberton: Production Manager (Fresh Produce)

Minimum 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. Strong operational understanding of fresh produce handling, packing, and cold-chain processes. Experience with production planning and workflow optimisation. Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and quality standards. Personality Traits: Strong leadership and people management capabilities. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities. Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset. Duties and responsibilities: Operational Management: 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. Quality and Food Safety: 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. Team Leadership: 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. Cost and Resource Management: 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. Equipment and Facility Oversight: Ensure all equipment functions optimally and coordinate maintenance as needed. Maintain a clean, organised, and safe production environment. Report facility or equipment issues promptly to Maintenance or Management. Data, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement: 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. Ensure accurate documentation relating to traceability, production logs, and compliance. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Achieve order fulfilment accuracy and on-time dispatch. Maintain production throughput and workflow efficiency. Manage labour cost versus budget and productivity per hour. Minimise waste and shrink levels. Ensure compliance with food safety and audit standards. Monitor staff performance, retention, and attendance. Maximise equipment uptime and reduce downtime. Working Conditions: Operate in a cold-chain environment with extended periods of standing and movement. Work early mornings, late shifts, weekends, or public holidays as required during peak periods. Perform effectively in a fast-paced, demanding operational setting.