Job Description

A client of ours in the dairy manufacturing industry is seeking an experienced Production Manager (Cheese) to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
This is a permanent role responsible for overseeing the full cheese production and packaging process, ensuring high product quality, operational efficiency, food safety compliance, and strong team leadership.
Location: Queenstown, Eastern Cape
Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Degree or Diploma in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Production Management, or related field.
• 7-10 years' experience in cheese production (hard cheese, processed cheese, mozzarella), with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, and high-care manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience managing production budgets, KPIs, and large teams.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Able to perform in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, quality compliance, and disciplined execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all cheese production and packaging operations.
• Plan and coordinate daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules according to business needs.
• Reduce downtime and optimise equipment utilisation in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 (V6), HACCP, GMP, and all regulatory standards.
• Maintain CCPs, hygiene, allergen controls, and ensure complete traceability.
• Ensure finished products meet quality standards for texture, flavour, moisture, and packaging.
• Analyse production data and manage KPIs including yield, wastage, throughput, cost per unit, and labour productivity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors and frontline production teams.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Technical, and SHE departments.
• Attend customer visits, manage escalations, and ensure customer requirements are met.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations and drive operational excellence initiatives.
• Explore new technologies, equipment, and process improvements.

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

• Search for the job title: Production Manager
• Click Apply to submit your CV.

Skills Required