Operations Executive

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Provide full operational oversight and leadership of the Central Production Facility, including receiving of raw materials and ingredients, pre-preparation processes, production operations, boxing and sealing processes, dispatch operations, work-in-progress management, production scheduling and capacity planning, labour planning and productivity management, continuous workflow optimisation. Ensure production targets are achieved daily, weekly, and monthly. Monitor plant efficiency and productivity metrics. Drive operational improvements to enhance throughput and reduce waste. Implement and maintain production SOPs and best practices. Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations. Manage production downtime and implement preventative measures. Develop and monitor key operational performance measures. Ensure production output aligns with customer demand and business requirements. Develop and manage annual production and logistics budgets. Control operational expenditure and drive cost efficiencies. Monitor production costs against budget. Analyse variances and implement corrective actions. Improve productivity and profitability through process improvements. Ensure accurate costing of products through ERP systems. Support strategic planning and forecasting initiatives. Deliver monthly operational and financial reporting to the COO. Manage and maintain ERP master data accuracy. Oversee product costing structures, Bills of Materials (BOMs), routing, and process workflows. Ensure accurate inventory transactions and reporting. Improve system utilisation and operational reporting. Lead ERP-related process improvements and training initiatives. Ensure data integrity across production, inventory, procurement, and logistics processes. Utilise ERP-generated data to improve operational decision-making and performance. Maintain full accountability for inventory control and stock integrity. Manage raw material, packaging, WIP, and finished goods inventory. Ensure accurate stock counts and inventory reconciliations. Implement controls to minimise stock losses and variances. Oversee cycle counts and annual stock takes. Manage expiry dates, shelf-life requirements, and batch traceability. Ensure optimal stock holding levels. Monitor inventory turnover and working capital utilisation. Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions. Provide strategic and operational leadership of the logistics function. Manage regional distribution centres and coordinate off-site storage facilities. Oversee delivery planning and route optimisation. Ensure on-time and accurate delivery performance. Manage third-party logistics providers where applicable. Ensure compliance with transportation regulations and company standards. Monitor logistics costs and drive operational efficiencies. Develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions. Continuously improve distribution effectiveness and customer service levels. Provide governance and oversight of company vehicles and transportation assets. Manage vehicle utilisation and maintenance schedules. Monitor fuel consumption and fleet efficiency. Ensure vehicle licensing and compliance requirements are met. Manage fleet replacement and acquisition planning. Investigate vehicle incidents and implement preventative measures. Oversee driver performance and compliance. Manage traffic fine administration and associated reporting. Ensure fleet operations support business requirements cost-effectively. Lead and develop all employees within the Production and Logistics functions. Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement. Conduct performance reviews and development planning. Manage disciplinary, grievance, and employee relations matters. Identify training and development requirements. Support succession planning initiatives. Ensure workforce planning aligns with operational requirements. Foster employee engagement, teamwork, and a culture of operational excellence. Ensure all operations comply with applicable standards, regulations, and customer requirements. Drive compliance with HACCP, GMP, food safety, and quality standards. Ensure adherence to health and safety legislation and company policies. Lead operational audits and compliance inspections. Implement corrective and preventative actions arising from audit findings. Minimise product quality issues and customer complaints. Promote a culture of food safety and operational excellence. Ensure full traceability and regulatory compliance across the supply chain. Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of operational objectives, seamless execution of production and logistics activities, and achievement of business goals. Partner closely with the COO to develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth and profitability. Work collaboratively with Procurement to ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials, packaging, and operational resources. Collaborate with Sales and Customer Service teams to align production planning and logistics activities with customer demand and service expectations. Engage with Finance to manage budgets, forecasting, reporting, cost control, and operational performance initiatives. Partner with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and company standards. Work with Human Resources on workforce planning, recruitment, employee development, performance management, and employee relations matters. Liaise with IT and ERP teams to optimise business processes, system functionality, reporting capabilities, and data integrity. Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, service providers, logistics partners, contractors, and key operational stakeholders. Manage relationships with third-party warehousing, distribution, and transportation providers to ensure service excellence and operational efficiency. Liaise with regulatory bodies, auditors, and industry authorities to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and standards. Serve as the primary operational contact for key customers regarding production, supply chain, inventory, and distribution matters. Facilitate customer visits, operational reviews, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. Negotiate and manage service level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers and logistics partners to ensure performance standards. Lead regular operational review meetings with stakeholders. Communicate operational performance, risks, challenges, and improvement initiatives. Proactively manage stakeholder expectations. Drive cross-functional collaboration. Lead strategic projects to improve productivity, service delivery, quality, and cost efficiency. Prepare and present operational reports and business updates. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.