Operations / Head of Production

SUMMARY:
Operations / Head of Production – FMCG Sector - Johannesburg
A respected Food Manufacturer within the FMCG industry is seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations / Head of Productions Manager.
This is a high-impact leadership role for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO:
Responsibilities

• Factory Operations/Production/Engineering
• Team Leadership
• Compliance & Standards (Food Safety Audits)
• Financial Oversight
• Site Risk Management

• Manage all production and manufacturing processes to ensure performance targets are met.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure accurate budgeting, cost forecasting, and expense monitoring for the factory.
• Lead a multidisciplinary operations team, promoting accountability, continuous improvement, and a positive workplace culture.
• Align staffing and shift planning with production needs to optimize output and reduce downtime.
• Support employee development and team capability building.
• Coordinate supply chain and procurement to support uninterrupted production (dotted line function)
• Monitor key performance indicators and maintain detailed reporting on factory performance.
• Ensure preventative maintenance and equipment uptime across all plant assets.
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant food safety, health and safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Lead internal systems development for technical and compliance reporting.
• Stay abreast of legislation and regulatory updates impacting manufacturing.
• Monitor production-related expenses and optimize asset utilization to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Conduct capex and maintenance reviews and support long-term financial planning.
• Lead factory-level budgeting and support business planning initiatives.
• Develop and maintain business continuity and emergency response plans.
• Oversee waste management, insurance reviews, and overall site housekeeping to ensure operational readiness.

• At least 10 years in FMCG manufacturing environment.
• A solid background in a senior production or operations role within a food manufacturing environment.
• Qualification in Operations, Business Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, technical manufacturing processes, and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using manufacturing performance tools or systems.

• CV
• Qualifications
• 2 x most recent payslips