Production Manager – Claremont & Cape Town

SUMMARY:
Are you experienced in the food sector, leading teams, driving operational excellence for successful production processes?
 
Our client based in Claremont needs a Product Manager to run their successful food operation in line with sales targets, managing inventory, quality, staff, suppliers and new product development.
 
Excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced food environment delivering quality, efficiency, and team performance.

POSITION INFO:
REQUIREMENTS

• Matric certificate and relevant tertiary qualification in operations or production
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a production management role in the food industry (preferably in a restaurant and/or catering environment)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage production schedules and meet deadlines
• Ability to problem-solve and make sound decisions
• Flexible and adaptable to changing needs in a dynamic environment

• Draw up a production schedule and monitor processes in line with sales forecasts, capacity and resources
• Manage all activities within the production process, including maintenance and the workforce
• Develop, implement and enforce production policies and SOPs
• Manage Inventory requirements - daily stock levels in line with production usage
• Track shrinkage and wastage on a weekly, monthly and annual basis
• Keep accurate records of stock takes twice a month, update stock data system, document wastage
• Define and implement product quality standards (including weight testing)
• Ensure recipes are followed and products are produced to standard daily
• Train staff, supervise/motivate employees, & department (contracts/leave/sick/pay)
• Manage strict health checks, product costs, assist with new product costing models
• Analyse budgets and continuously control production costs and identify/rectify waste measures
• Identify opportunities for expense reduction/savings
• Manage all supplier relationships affecting production
• Manage and support SHEQ initiatives and objectives for products and staff
• Assess production constraints for new products
• Manage logistics to ensure production coincides with launch dates
• Define and implement product quality standards (including weight testing)
• Ensure recipes are followed and products are produced to standard daily
• Train staff on quality standards and monitor ongoing adherence to standards
• Enforce product quality and time management standards
• Conduct regular quality checks through taste panels
• Plan and schedule regular cleaning
• Maintain strict health checks to mitigate any risk of transference to products, customers or staff
• Devise and implement customer retention strategies and loyalty programmes
• Monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and report performance
• Understand raw material pricing and fluctuations throughout the year
• Determine optimal purchasing times (e.g., specials)
• Manage product costs and assist with new product costing models
• Analyse budgets and continuously control production costs and identify/rectify waste measures
• Identify opportunities for expense reduction/savings
• Prepare and report on product costing & wastage (weekly, monthly and annually)
• Manage logistics to ensure production coincides with launch dates