Operations Manager

Are you an experienced Operations Manager with a passion for driving excellence in food manufacturing? Our client is looking for a results‑driven leader to oversee end‑to‑end production at their fast‑growing facility. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a high‑volume FMCG environment, champions quality, and knows how to build strong customer relationships.

As the Operations Manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring seamless factory operations, maintaining world‑class food safety standards, optimizing costs, and steering continuous improvement. You will also play a critical customer‑facing role—strengthening partnerships, understanding market demand, and ensuring top‑tier service delivery.

• 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 cost‑effectiveness.

• 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.

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

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

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

• Degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Food Technology, or similar.
• 5–7 years’ experience in food manufacturing—ideally cereals, snacks, or bakery.
• Proven success in managing high‑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 problem‑solving ability.
• Effective communication and relationship‑building skills.