Western Cape: Production Manager posted by Merand Corbett & Associates

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or a related field (preferred)
• Alternatively, a combination of relevant experience and certifications in manufacturing or production management.
• Minimum 7 years’ FMCG food or beverage manufacturing experience
• At least 3 years in a Production Manager or Senior Production Leadership role
• Experience managing multiple production lines and shift-based operations
• High-care food, chilled food, beverage, or juice manufacturing experience highly advantageous
• Proven knowledge and experience with equipment, process and product design and commissioning –in line with requirement to maintain quality, throughput and effectiveness
• Proven capacity to convert requirements to an achievable output and effective communicator of progress to all business stakeholders
• Successful project delivery through effective reporting team leadership
• Experience with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO regulations) and quality assurance protocols.

 Skills & Competencies

• Strong FMCG manufacturing and production management expertise
• Proven leadership and people development capability
• Excellent planning, organisational, and decision-making skills
• Strong understanding of OEE, productivity, waste reduction, and cost management
• Sound knowledge of food safety, GMP, HACCP, and quality systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Continuous improvement mindset with Lean manufacturing experience
• Confidence and fortitude to deal with problems and ultimately identify, implement and monitor sustainable solutions

Key Responsibilities

• Safety, Health, Environment & Food safety & Quality-champion a zero harm culture. Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, GMP, HACCP, FSSC/ISO, and health & safety requirements.
• Production Strategy, Planning & Execution, translate factory objectives into and executable production strategy and clear targets for shift managers
• Deliver production targets relating to safety, quality, service, cost, productivity, and customer requirements.
• Drive operational performance through OEE improvement, waste reduction, yield optimisation, labour productivity, and cost control.
• Asset Care –collaborate with maintenance, define and agree maintenance windows for PPM and shut down plans
• Manage and develop Shift Managers and production teams across all shifts
• Partner closely with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Warehouse, HR, and Commercial teams to optimise factory performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Support new product introductions, process improvements, and capital projects.
• Drive a strong culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and operational discipline.

 Shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo relevant psychometric assessments and interview screening.
 
                     *ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED*