PRODUCTION MANAGER (DAIRY MANUFACTURING)

SUMMARY:

ROLE OVERVIEW
 
The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all dairy manufacturing (cheese and butter) operations to ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective production while maintaining the highest standard of food safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
 
The Manager in this position would need the ability to adapt, have strong people managing skills, lead production teams, drive operational performance and establish strong routines for efficiency and food safety culture.
 
This position reports to the Operations Manager.

POSITION INFO:


RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and coordinate weekly production schedules and staff shifts.
• Monitor and report production performance, yields, efficiency, downtime and overtime.
• Coordinate raw milk, cream and ingredient availability.
• Ensure accurate and timely daily, weekly and monthly reporting.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance shutdowns and support process improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement in labour, cost, material and equipment efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, regulations and best practices.
• Work closely with Quality to maintain product integrity, specifications and consistency.
• Collaborate effectively with Finance, HR, Quality, Sales, Logistics and Maintenance teams.
• Maintain strong relationships and coordination with sister companies.
• Manage, develop and train production staff to improve performance and skills.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Foster a disciplined, safe and productive workplace culture.
• Apply strong problem-solving, decision-making and leadership skills.
• Be available after hours and weekends when operationally required.

• Strong leadership and people management.
• Great problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset; must be driven and ambitious.
• Highly self-motivated.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Attention to detail.

• Grade 12
• Formal training, degree/diploma Operations Management, Project Management or relevant training in dairy industry and 8 years’ experience in production management.
• Experience in the dairy or FMCG industry will be to the applicant’s advantage.

• Grade 12
• Qualified by experience, 10 years’ experience in Production Management, People Management, Head Cheese Maker, management of different departments.
• Experience in the dairy or FMCG industry will be to the applicant’s advantage.