Bloemfontein: Senior Packaging Operations Manager posted by Aspire Recruiting

A leading agricultural processing and manufacturing enterprise to source a strategic and results-driven Senior Packaging Operations Manager. This critical leadership role is fully accountable for overseeing the entire end-of-line packaging process within a high-capacity milling operation, driving operational objectives through service excellence. If you are a seasoned leader with extensive technical packaging experience and a strong grasp of supply chain logistics, this placement offers a premium career trajectory.

Core Responsibilities:

• Strategic & Team Leadership: Set and execute short- and long-term departmental objectives aligned with the company’s overarching strategic goals. Lead, mentor, and develop operational staff to maximize productivity, ensure appropriate skills matrixes, and foster a high-performance culture.
• Packaging Operations & Inventory Control: Oversee daily packaging operations to ensure output aligns perfectly with order demands. Strictly manage inventory volumes for bag storage, ensuring minimum stock levels are maintained according to internal SOPs.
• Maintenance Strategy: Develop and drive comprehensive maintenance plansencompassing preventative, predictive, and corrective strategiesin tight collaboration with the technical maintenance team to minimize downtime and maximize automated equipment performance.
• Logistics & Distribution: Coordinate and sequence outbound logistics, liaising with external transport carriers and internal fleet operations to guarantee the timely and accurate delivery of customer orders.
• Quality Governance & Food Safety: Champion the facility’s Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Oversee stringent cleaning programmes, manage audit documentation, and actively drive continuous improvement in accordance with ISO 22000 regulations.
• Occupational Health & Safety (OHS): Enforce rigorous OHS standards, maintain pristine and uncluttered operational areas, and ensure uncompromised safety and hygiene compliance across all subordinate teams.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• A valid Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) or a formally recognised NQF Level 4 equivalent.
• A relevant, formal tertiary qualification specifically in Packaging is strictly required.
• A minimum of 5 years of extensive, hands-on packaging experience operating specifically within the grain milling or bulk agricultural processing industry.
• Leadership Pedigree: At least 3 years of proven experience operating in a robust managerial or senior leadership capacity.
• Logistics: Possession of a valid South African driver’s licence accompanied by personal, reliable transport is essential.
• Technical Advantage: Intimate technical knowledge and experience with grain-specific automated packaging machinery will serve as a distinct strategic advantage.

Key Competencies:

• Advanced operations coordination and foundational knowledge in Supply Chain Management.
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and delegation skills.
• High resilience with the proven ability to cope and deliver continuous improvements under intense operational pressure.
• Deep understanding of Food Safety Protocols, FSMS, and ISO 22000 regulations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to effectively engage internal teams, executive management, and external transport partners