Job Description

A client of ours in the dairy manufacturing industry is seeking a highly experienced Processed Cheese Supervisor to oversee and manage the slice-on-slice processed cheese production department in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
This permanent role involves ensuring consistent high-quality outputs, strong operational performance, food safety compliance, and effective team leadership within a high-care food production environment.
Location: Queenstown, Eastern Cape
Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric / Equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in processed cheese manufacturing, with proven supervisory experience.
• Extensive technical experience in slice-on-slice processed cheese production (non-negotiable).
• Relevant qualification in Food Technology, Dairy Processing, or equivalent: Minimum NQF 4, with NQF 5+ and dairy-specific certifications being advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000 (Version 6) implementation and audit readiness.
• Solid understanding of high-care production environments, HACCP principles, GMP, allergen control and CCP monitoring.
• Proven experience managing production KPIs: yield, waste, efficiency, quality and material control.
• Strong leadership, operational discipline, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with strict customer (QSR) standards.

Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership

• Oversee all activities within the slice-on-slice processed cheese department including daily planning, scheduling, and output management.
• Lead and manage a workforce of approximately 15 employees, ensuring optimal manpower utilisation.
• Maintain strict adherence to production targets, efficiency metrics, and customer specifications.

Food Safety & Quality Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), regulatory requirements, internal quality policies, and QSR standards.
• Monitor CCPs, hygiene, allergen controls, and GMP adherence.
• Support and lead internal and external audits to maintain audit readiness.

Performance & Cost Control

• Drive improvements in yield, waste reduction, cost efficiency, and material utilisation.
• Analyse and report departmental KPIs, variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Initiate continuous improvement projects to enhance productivity and reduce downtime.

People Management & Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to team leaders and production staff.
• Ensure staff development, full SOP compliance, and adherence to safety procedures.
• Foster a disciplined, high-performance culture within the department.

Stakeholder & Customer Interaction

• Work closely with Quality, Technical, Warehouse & Distribution, and SHE teams to ensure smooth operational flow.
• Participate in customer visits and ensure compliance with global QSR standards and customer expectations.

How to Apply: * Follow the link to our jobseeker's page:

• Search for the job title: Processed Cheese Supervisor
• Click Apply to submit your CV.

Skills Required