Job Description

FACTORY MANAGER (BEVERAGE PRODUCTION)

SOMA is looking for an experienced Beverage Factory Manager, to be based at the production facility in Capricorn Park, Muizenberg, Cape Town. This is a highly technical position, requiring extensive experience in various equipment systems and production processes, along with a staff management component.

Our locally manufactured Plant-Based and Dairy Milk products are innovative and specialized. Our product lines are unique to the market, and we're recently certified FSSC 22000

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Factory Manager, with extensive Beverage (preferably Dairy) Manufacturing experience, to oversee all of the technical and risk managment aspects of our production facility during day to day operations, as well as managing production staff and shift scheduling etc.

This is a "hands on", production floor job, not a sit in an office and send emails job. We are a small/medium size company, and there is no room to hide in this environment. A lot will be expected of you!

The scope of responsibilities will encompass:

- Overseeing the production and maintenance team for start up and shut down of all major production systems (including but not limited to - steam boilers, UHT sterilizer, carton filling lines, bottling lines, canning lines, cooling systems, retort, etc),

- Top level monitoring and control of all production equipment.

- Overseeming the maintenance team with regards to maintenance and repair of all equipment.

- Management of the production team of up to 20 production staff that will report to you (potentially across multiple shifts).

- Fault finding and troubleshooting, plus emergency shut down.

- Technical CIP monitoring and level checks, inline sampling, product testing etc.

- Constant monitoring and implementation of the companies FSSC 22000 Food Safety System.

This position reports to the COO as well as the CEO, and will work closely with the Production Manager and Production Line Supervisors.

This is a 100% "roll up your sleeves" kind of job. Be prepared to do anything in the beginning, and you will be rewarded.

Requirements:

3+ years' experience as a Factory Manager, or Line Manager in a Beverage facility (or similar) is mandatory. Understanding of production and quality control standard operating procedures Understanding pumps, valves, pipework, heat-exchangers, etc. Adherence to health and safety regulations (e.g. constant use of protective gear) Ability to read product flow schematics and manuals English required Able to lift 30 kg's Excellent Communication Skills: written and verbal. High energy levels. Disciplined and presentable. Ability to work independently and be part of a team. Must have your own vehicle, and be available to work after hours and weekends, if necessary in this growing business.

Key Performance Areas

Ensure the correct set up of multiple machines by the team to start a production cycle Monitor and oversee all equipment pre-production, during production, and after production, and during CIP from a top level oversight position, focussing on risk mitigation and efficiency. Constant checking of HMI's on all active equipment during running cycles to ensure operators are in line with prescribed limits. Oversee technical usage, and handling of all equipment and machinery used in the company, including safety, and report all issues immediately. Some degree of technical hands on experience working with various pieces of complex processing equipment (Pumps, valves, pipework etc). Ability to troubleshoot directly, and/or communicate issues with external technicians. Controlling and adjusting machine parameters based on production run specifics. Monitoring all production staff, and directly supervising the activity of each production staff member. Training and evaluation of production staff members. Maintain spare parts inventory along with the technical team. Test operation of machines periodically. Fix and report any issues that might occur during the shift. Manage inline sample taking, and recording thereof. Some experience in managing a Food Safety System (FSSC, FSA, ISO, BRC etc) is preferred.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate:

Muizenberg, Western Cape 7945: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Experience:

Factory Management: 3 years (Required)
Language:

English (Required)
Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 2025/05/26