Job Description

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has an exciting opportunity in our Manufacturing & Technical department. We are looking for a talented individual with relevant skills and experience for a Unit Manager role, based in Pretoria. The successful candidate will report directly to the Manufacturing Manager. Key Purpose: To manage, lead, and support the production team, and to support internal customers and stakeholders, so that world-class production, quality, and maintenance targets are achieved most cost-effectively and efficiently.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Production Management

• Plan and monitor daily and weekly production schedules to achieve volume, efficiency, and quality targets.
• Analyze production performance and drive corrective actions to meet operational KPIs.
• Ensure accurate recording of production data and maintain production records.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor Production Team Leaders and Training Controllers to build capability and drive engagement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and manage individual development plans.
• Ensure that training and skills development are prioritized and aligned with operational requirements.

Quality and Food Safety

• Enforce adherence to Quality at Source principles and compliance with QFSE standards.
• Collaborate with the QFSE Manager to investigate and resolve quality issues, implementing preventive actions.
• Promote continuous improvement in product quality and process reliability.

Asset Care and Equipment Reliability

• Support Engineering and Maintenance Manager in planning and executing preventive and autonomous maintenance activities.
• Foster operator ownership of equipment through Autonomous Maintenance practices.
• Participate in root cause analysis of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.

Cost and Resource Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets for the production unit, including labor, materials, and overheads.
• Monitor cost performance against budget, identifying and addressing variances.
• Drive waste reduction and efficient resource utilization.

Safety, Health, and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Conduct safety inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Promote a culture of safety through training, communication, and visible leadership.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and prioritize performance improvement opportunities based on KPI analysis and process performance.
• Lead problem-solving sessions and implement solutions to eliminate root causes.
• Collaborate with the Continuous Improvement Specialist to embed lean practices.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Engage with peers (e.g., Stores, Quality, Engineering, Projects) to optimize supply chain flow, resource allocation, and plant reliability.
• Foster a collaborative and solutions-oriented work environment.

Skills, Experience & Education
SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and bottling operations
• Proficient in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar methodologies
• Data analysis and interpretation of operational metrics (OEE, yield, etc.) Budgeting and cost control understanding
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Familiarity with manufacturing systems such
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of South African labour law and OHSA is preferable

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge specifically relating to KHS Plasmax Technology machines.
• KHS InnoPet Plasmax 12D,
• KHS Corpoplast- FreshSafePET,
• KHS PlasMax 20Q/latest Technology

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

• National Diploma or Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Technical and/or production management experience.
• 5-8 years in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity
• Proven track record in managing high-volume production environments, preferably FMCG or beverage industry.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving CI projects.

General Internal Candidates must submit a fully approved application form (signed off by the Line Manager and HR) to the talent acquisition specialist before the closing date. Suitable equity candidates will be given preference in line with our Equity Plan.
Policy
At Coca-Cola Beverages Africa we are proud to celebrate diversity and we strive to achieve an equal opportunity workplace by being cognisant of affirmative action requirements. It is our policy to be mindful and compliant with all our regional requirements and national laws for those regions. Employment at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is based solely on an individual's merit and qualifications directly related to their field of competence. We do not discriminate against an employee or potential employees because race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability and gender identity.
At the heart of our recruitment processes is the need to create a value driven experience for all applicants. To all recruitment agencies: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa does not accept agency resumes for roles that we post and make available. Please do not forward any resumes to any Coca-Cola Beverages Africa employees and Talent Teams as we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.