Cradock: Production Manager

Location: Queenstown, Eastern Cape Requirements: Grade 12 / Matric. Degree or Diploma in Food Technology , Dairy Science , Production Management , or related field. 710 years experience in cheese production (hard cheese, processed cheese, mozzarella), with at least 5 years in a management role . Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000 , HACCP , GMP , and high-care manufacturing environments . Proven experience managing production budgets , KPIs , and large teams. Strong leadership, decision-making, and technical problem-solving skills. Able to perform in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment. Excellent analytical, planning, and communication skills. Commitment to continuous improvement , operational excellence, quality compliance, and disciplined execution. Key Responsibilities: Manage and oversee all cheese production and packaging operations . Plan and coordinate daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules according to business needs. Reduce downtime and optimise equipment utilisation in collaboration with engineering teams. Implement lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput and reduce waste. Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6) , HACCP, GMP, and all regulatory standards. Maintain CCPs, hygiene, allergen controls, and ensure complete traceability. Ensure finished products meet quality standards for texture, flavour, moisture , and packaging. Analyse production data and manage KPIs including yield, wastage, throughput, cost per unit, and labour productivity. Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors and frontline production teams. Drive a culture of safety, accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement. Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Technical, and SHE departments. Attend customer visits, manage escalations, and ensure customer requirements are met. Lead root cause analysis investigations and drive operational excellence initiatives. Explore new technologies, equipment, and process improvements. How to Apply: