Industrial Kitchen Manager

SUMMARY:
Frozen food manufacturer requires an Industrial Kitchen Manager so oversee and manage all the activities within the industrial kitchen. The purpose of the role is to ensure high standards of productivity, quality, consistency, and food safety, to support product development and manage a team of 20 staff.

POSITION INFO:
Key Functions:

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily production runs to meet output targets and align with the Facility Production plan
• Monitor and drive kitchen productivity, ensuring efficient use of labour and resources
• Enforce strict compliance with timekeeping and production schedules
• Ensure consistent preparation and portioning of all recipes according to standard operating procedures
• Oversee the implementation and adherence to food safety standards (HACCP, FSSC 22000, etc.)
• Conduct regular checks to ensure hygiene, temperature control, storage, and allergen protocols are met
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to resolve any product quality issues
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation across all product batches
• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of 20 kitchen staff
• Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and implement skills development plans
• Promote a culture of discipline, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Monitor and report on key production metrics (yield, output, waste, downtime, etc.)
• Implement corrective actions when production targets or quality standards are not met
• Maintain accurate batch production records and inventory logs
• Collaborate with the R&D or Product Development team to test new recipes and scale-up production trials
• Provide practical feedback on ingredient functionality, process adjustments, and cost-saving opportunities
• Ensure new product rollouts are integrated seamlessly into production processes

• Grade 12 (Matric) with relevant tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Industrial Catering Management, Culinary Arts, or Production Management
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role within an industrial kitchen or frozen food manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of HACCP / FSSC22000 and food safety certification
• Experience with automated or semi-automated production systems is an advantage
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, email, production software)