A well-established meat processing and FMCG business is seeking a hands-on and driven Production Manager to oversee and manage production operations within a high-volume, short shelf-life environment. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality, and driving team performance to consistently meet and exceed production targets.
Minimum requirements for the role:
Must have a Certificate or Diploma in Production Management or a related field
Minimum 2 - 4 years' experience in a similar production management role within a high-volume, chilled food manufacturing environment
Experience within a meat processing plant will be highly favourable
Must have a strong understanding of production processes, food safety standards, and quality systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent planning and organisational ability
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
High attention to detail and quality focus
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Leadership ability with strong people management skills
Logical and systematic approach to work
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Managing and supervising daily production operations to ensure targets are achieved in line with quality, cost, and safety standards.
Coordinating production lines across people, materials, and equipment to ensure optimal efficiency and minimal downtime.
Monitoring and driving adherence to key production KPIs, ensuring consistent performance and continuous improvement.
Ensuring strict compliance with food safety standards, including HACCP and GMP requirements.
Maintaining accurate production records and ensuring all required documentation is completed and audit-ready at all times.
Overseeing inventory control within the factory, ensuring accuracy and availability of raw materials.
Monitoring yields and implementing initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Reporting on daily production performance, challenges, and improvements to senior management.
Ensuring adherence to company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.
Leading, supervising, and motivating production staff to achieve performance and productivity targets.
Planning and managing staff rosters, overtime, and leave schedules in line with operational needs and labour legislation.
Monitoring employee performance and implementing corrective actions, coaching, and development plans where required.
Conducting performance appraisals for team leaders and supporting overall team development.
Identifying training needs and facilitating training on SOPs, processes, and safety standards.
Fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the production environment.
Ensuring the department remains audit-ready at all times and complies with internal and external quality standards.
Driving adherence to health and safety regulations and maintaining a safe working environment.
Supporting the implementation and continuous improvement of quality systems and procedures.
Ensuring all customer quality expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
Monitoring product weights, packaging, and wastage to control costs and maintain standards.
Managing and controlling production costs in line with budget requirements.
Participating in operations and quality meetings to improve processes and product standards.
Assisting in setting run rates and processes for new product development.
Driving continuous improvement initiatives across production processes.
Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and operational discipline.