Production Manager

Our client, a well-established edible oil refinery and packing operation based in Johannesburg South, is seeking a hands-on, technically strong Production Manager to take ownership of its bottling and packaging operation. This is not a desk-based role; the successful candidate will spend much of their time on the factory floor, leading the team and troubleshooting problems to drive output, quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the filling and packaging operation, including people, machines, output, quality, downtime and efficiency.
• Plan and schedule production to consistently achieve daily, weekly and monthly output targets on high-volume liquid filling lines.
• Lead from the factory floor, actively troubleshooting mechanical, process and line-balancing problems as they arise.
• Monitor and improve line performance, including efficiency (OEE), downtime, yields, waste and product giveaway.
• Oversee the correct operation, set-up and changeovers of fillers, cappers, labellers, conveyors and end-of-line packaging machinery.
• Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure effective planned and preventive maintenance of machines and instruments.
• Ensure all finished products meet quality specifications, including fill volumes, cap and seal integrity, labelling and coding.
• Manage and maintain the Food Safety Management System (e.g. HACCP / FSSC 22000) and ensure the plant is audit-ready at all times.
• Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and site health and safety procedures.
• Plan and control raw and packaging materials (oil, bottles, caps, labels, cartons) and liaise with stores and procurement to prevent line stoppages.
• Lead, train, motivate and manage production supervisors, operators and general workers, including shift rosters and labour allocation.
• Compile and present accurate daily production reports, KPIs and variance analyses to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across the bottling and packaging operation.
• Liaise with the refinery, quality, warehouse and dispatch teams to ensure a smooth flow of product from refining through to dispatch.

Requirements

Our client, a well-established edible oil refinery and packing operation based in Johannesburg South, is seeking a hands-on, technically strong Production Manager to take ownership of its bottling and packaging operation. This is not a desk-based role; the successful candidate will spend much of their time on the factory floor, leading the team and troubleshooting problems to drive output, quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the filling and packaging operation, including people, machines, output, quality, downtime and efficiency.
• Plan and schedule production to consistently achieve daily, weekly and monthly output targets on high-volume liquid filling lines.
• Lead from the factory floor, actively troubleshooting mechanical, process and line-balancing problems as they arise.
• Monitor and improve line performance, including efficiency (OEE), downtime, yields, waste and product giveaway.
• Oversee the correct operation, set-up and changeovers of fillers, cappers, labellers, conveyors and end-of-line packaging machinery.
• Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure effective planned and preventive maintenance of machines and instruments.
• Ensure all finished products meet quality specifications, including fill volumes, cap and seal integrity, labelling and coding.
• Manage and maintain the Food Safety Management System (e.g. HACCP / FSSC 22000) and ensure the plant is audit-ready at all times.
• Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and site health and safety procedures.
• Plan and control raw and packaging materials (oil, bottles, caps, labels, cartons) and liaise with stores and procurement to prevent line stoppages.
• Lead, train, motivate and manage production supervisors, operators and general workers, including shift rosters and labour allocation.
• Compile and present accurate daily production reports, KPIs and variance analyses to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across the bottling and packaging operation.
• Liaise with the refinery, quality, warehouse and dispatch teams to ensure a smooth flow of product from refining through to dispatch.

Benefits

Our client is offering a market-related salary, negotiable depending on experience and qualifications, along with benefits in line with company policy.