Job Description

Description

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PLANT GENERAL MANAGER

Swellendam | Western Cape

FMCG - Edible Oils Industry

Join Southern Oil (SOILL), a values-driven leader in sustainable food manufacturing. We live by Ownership, Respect, Strengths-Focused Collaboration, Excellence, Transparency, and Integrity.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead plant operations with purpose -- driving strategic growth, ensuring world-class manufacturing standards, and leading a high-performing management team across Maintenance, Projects, Production, Health & Safety, and Quality & Compliance.

We're looking for

: A hands-on leader with a strong engineering mindset, analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment -- committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

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Key Focus Areas

Strategic & Operational Leadership - Maximise plant capacity and align operations to growth targets through efficient production and inventory planning. Production Excellence - Ensure cost, quality, and output targets are met with strict adherence to SOPs and product specs. Continuous Improvement - Boost yields, reduce costs, improve uptime, and optimise energy usage using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies. Maintenance & Projects - Oversee maintenance programmes, technical procurement, and equipment installations. Procurement & Stock Control - Implement robust buying processes, maintain optimal stock levels, and manage accurate production tracking. Quality & Compliance - Uphold certifications, enforce SOPs, and maintain top product standards. Safety, Security & Sustainability - Ensure full HSE compliance, environmental awareness, and effective traceability. Team Development - Set clear goals, mentor, and drive succession planning.

Requirements

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B.Eng/B.Sc in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering 6+ years in food/FMCG manufacturing, with 3+ years in senior plant management Mechanical design, commissioning, and project execution experience Proven knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM ERP system and MS Office proficiency

We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of

talent, skills, and potential

. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates.