Production Manager

Eastern Cape, South Africa

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

Beware of fraud agents! do not pay money to get a job

MNCJobs.co.za will not be responsible for any payment made to a third-party. All Terms of Use are applicable.


Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD1610935
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Eastern Cape, South Africa
  • Education
    Not mentioned