Queenstown: Production Manager (FMCG) posted by Staff Solutions

Operational Management:

• Oversee all cheese production and packaging processes ensuring consistent output and adherence to production schedules 
• Plan and manage daily, weekly and monthly production schedules in line with business forecasts and customer demand 
• Optimise equipment utilisation and minimise downtime through proactive maintenance coordination with Engineering 
• Implement best-practice lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput, efficiency and waste reduction

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance: 

• Ensure full compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), HACCP, GMP and all relevant regulatory requirements
• Lead internal and external audits ensuring 100% audit readiness 
• Implement, monitor and maintain critical control points (CCPs), hygiene standards, allergen controls and product traceability 
• Ensure finished products consistently meet quality specifications for texture, flavour, moisture and packaging standards

Cost & Performance Management:

• Track and manage production KPIs including yield, throughput, wastage, labour productivity, downtime and cost per unit 
• Analyse production data to identify trends, issues and opportunities for continuous improvement 
• Implement corrective actions to address inefficiencies, quality deviations or non-compliance incidents

People Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and frontline staff 
• Set clear performance objectives and accountability for all production areas 
• Foster a culture of safety, discipline, high performance, and continuous improvement 
• Ensure adequate succession planning and skills development within the department

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

• Drive operational excellence initiatives to improve process reliability, reduce waste, and enhance product quality 
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and process innovations that could improve efficiency or product consistency 
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for recurring production issues

Job Requirements: 

• Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent. 
• Degree/Diploma in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Production Management, or related field 
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in cheese production (hard, processed or mozzarella), with at least 5 years at a management level 
• Strong working knowledge of FSSC 22000 and high-care manufacturing environments 
• Proven track record in managing production budgets, KPIs and large operational teams 
• Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving capability 
• Hands-on, decisive and results-oriented leadership style 
• Excellent analytical, planning and operational problem-solving capability 
• Ability to lead teams under pressure and deliver results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment 
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills 
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence