Production Manager; Food Industry

A well-established food manufacturer is looking for a hands-on Production Manager to lead safe, compliant and cost-effective production. You will make sure daily output and the production plan are met within tight turnaround times, while protecting product integrity.

• Diploma or degree in Production/Operations Management, Food Technology, Food Science, Engineering or a related field
• At least 5 years' experience in manufacturing or production operations, including 2 years in a supervisory or management role
• Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Sound knowledge of production planning, GMP and food-safety systems, allergen controls, FIFO, OHS, SOPs and root-cause analysis
• Exposure to allergen, GMO, halaal and kosher production requirements
• Experience coordinating equipment maintenance and calibration
• Proven leadership: setting priorities, delegating, coaching, and managing performance, discipline and conflict
• Competent in production documentation, KPI reporting, cost analysis and Microsoft Office; able to learn and administer a document control system
• Clear written and verbal communication, sound judgement and a service-oriented approach
• Comfortable in a factory environment with strict PPE, hygiene and safety standards

• Plan and schedule production against forecast demand, correctly sequencing allergen, GMO, halaal and kosher work
• Ensure accurate weighing and blending, correct labelling, and controlled rework of overruns and rejects
• Enforce food-safety, hygiene and cleaning standards, and keep operations audit-ready
• Identify waste and cost drivers, and implement practical improvements to efficiency and profitability
• Lead, train and develop the production team, including KPIs, leave, discipline and performance
• Keep equipment serviceable and calibrated, with up-to-date maintenance records
• Ensure dangerous, allergenic and GMO materials are stored and labelled per SOP and SDS requirements
• Report on departmental metrics and keep stakeholders informed of delays, shortages and plan changes

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