Production Manager

SUMMARY:
A client in the food manufacturing industry based in Pietermaritzburg is seeking an experienced Production Manager . The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations, managing production teams, and ensuring that all processes align with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, BRC, or FSMA), company KPIs, and customer expectations. This role requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of food production in an FMCG environment

POSITION INFO:
Duties & Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes to meet production targets.
• Monitor production output, quality, and efficiency, ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Ensure compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and food safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate production records and daily reports.

• Manage, train, and motivate production staff (e.g., line leaders, machine operators, packers).
• Conduct team briefings, shift handovers, and performance reviews.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Identify and implement improvements to production processes to reduce waste, downtime, and cost.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and 5S standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to optimize equipment uptime.

• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure product quality standards are met.
• Participate in audits (internal and external) and address non-conformance issues.
• Maintain health & safety compliance across the production floor.

• Oversee raw material usage, minimizing losses and ensuring stock availability.
• Coordinate with supply chain and warehouse teams for timely material supply and finished goods movement.

• 3–5+ years of experience in FMCG food production or manufacturing.
• Proven experience in a production leadership or supervisory role
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety regulations.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage shift patterns and production planning tools.