Senior Packaging Operations Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
A leading agricultural processing and manufacturing enterprise to source a strategic and results-driven Senior Packaging Operations Manager. This critical leadership role is fully accountable for overseeing the entire end-of-line packaging process within a high-capacity milling operation, driving operational objectives through service excellence. If you are a seasoned leader with extensive technical packaging experience and a strong grasp of supply chain logistics, this placement offers a premium career trajectory. Core Responsibilities: Strategic & Team Leadership: Set and execute short- and long-term departmental objectives aligned with the company's overarching strategic goals. Lead, mentor, and develop operational staff to maximize productivity, ensure appropriate skills matrixes, and foster a high-performance culture. Packaging Operations & Inventory Control: Oversee daily packaging operations to ensure output aligns perfectly with order demands. Strictly manage inventory volumes for bag storage, ensuring minimum stock levels are maintained according to internal SOPs. Maintenance Strategy: Develop and drive comprehensive maintenance plans—encompassing preventative, predictive, and corrective strategies—in tight collaboration with the technical maintenance team to minimize downtime and maximize automated equipment performance. Logistics & Distribution: Coordinate and sequence outbound logistics, liaising with external transport carriers and internal fleet operations to guarantee the timely and accurate delivery of customer orders. Quality Governance & Food Safety: Champion the facility's Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Oversee stringent cleaning programmes, manage audit documentation, and actively drive continuous improvement in accordance with ISO 22000 regulations. Occupational Health & Safety (OHS): Enforce rigorous OHS standards, maintain pristine and uncluttered operational areas, and ensure uncompromised safety and hygiene compliance across all subordinate teams. Requirements & Qualifications: A valid Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) or a formally recognised NQF Level 4 equivalent. A relevant, formal tertiary qualification specifically in Packaging is strictly required. A minimum of 5 years of extensive, hands-on packaging experience operating specifically within the grain milling or bulk agricultural processing industry. Leadership Pedigree: At least 3 years of proven experience operating in a robust managerial or senior leadership capacity. Logistics: Possession of a valid South African driver's licence accompanied by personal, reliable transport is essential. Technical Advantage: Intimate technical knowledge and experience with grain-specific automated packaging machinery will serve as a distinct strategic advantage. Key Competencies: Advanced operations coordination and foundational knowledge in Supply Chain Management. Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and delegation skills. High resilience with the proven ability to cope and deliver continuous improvements under intense operational pressure. Deep understanding of Food Safety Protocols, FSMS, and ISO 22000 regulations. Strong communication and relationship-building skills to effectively engage internal teams, executive management, and external transport partners