Operations Manager

As the Operations Manager, youll be responsible for ensuring seamless factory operations, maintaining worldâ??class food safety standards, optimizing costs, and steering continuous improvement. You will also play a critical customerâ??facing rolestrengthening partnerships, understanding market demand, and ensuring topâ??tier service delivery.

What Youll Do

Production & Operations Leadership

• Oversee all factory activities including production, packaging, warehousing, and logistics.
• Manage production planning to meet customer demand while reducing downtime and waste.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, yield, and costâ??effectiveness.

Quality & Compliance

• Uphold stringent food safety standards (HACCP, FSSC 22000, GMP).
• Monitor product quality and quality control processes.
• Manage and resolve customer complaints with urgency and professionalism.

People Management

• Lead and motivate production teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Conduct performance reviews and develop succession pipelines.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage budgets and optimize operational costs.
• Track key KPIs including production output, OEE, wastage, and downtime.
• Work with procurement to secure costâ??effective raw materials and packaging.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Enforce compliance with OHSA and internal safety policies.
• Champion sustainability efforts across energy, waste, and sourcing.

They are looking for someone with the following:

• Degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Food Technology, or similar.
• 57 years experience in food manufacturingideally cereals, snacks, or bakery.
• Proven success in managing highâ??volume FMCG production.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, GMP, ISO/FSSC 22000, and South African regulations.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning platforms.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Analytical thinker with excellent problemâ??solving ability.
• Effective communication and relationshipâ??building skills.