Job Description

Key Responsibilities
Operations Leadership and Team Management

• Lead daily production operations to meet schedules, targets, and cost goals.
• Manage, train, and develop the production team while maintaining strong employee relations.
• Control raw materials, waste, and operational costs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, hygiene, environmental, ISO/FSSC requirements.
• Support maintenance planning to reduce downtime and drive process improvements based on analytical results.
• Oversee quality standards, internal audits, corrective actions, and all production documentation and reporting.
• Foster teamwork, high morale, and continuous improvement.

Food Safety and Quality

• Ensure products meet quality and food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the Quality team to resolve issues and implement improvements.
• Prevent cross-contamination, and ensure adherence to protective measures related to sabotage, vandalism, or bioterrorism.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure operations comply with company and legal safety standards.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective actions.
• Promote safety awareness and ensure proper waste disposal to avoid contamination.

Process Optimisation

• Evaluate and enhance production processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Apply lean manufacturing practices and collaborate with engineering/maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and optimal performance.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare regular production reports, track key metrics, and analyse data to identify trends and improvement opportunities. Develop action plans based on insights.

General

• Perform ad hoc duties as needed. Ability to work shifts.

Education and Experience

• Grade 12 and Diploma in Production/Operations Management
• 46 years FMCG experience with proven leadership
• OHAS training, HACCP, FSSC 22000, ISO knowledge
• Strong computer literacy

Key Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Strong production process knowledge
• Excellent organisation and decision-making skills
• Effective team leadership and understanding of BCEA.
• English required; Zulu beneficial.

Skills Required