Candidate Requirements

The Production Manager will be measured on, but not limited to, the following:

• Safety performance and reduction of incidents
• Food safety and audit compliance
• Product quality and reduction of customer complaints
• OTIF performance
• OEE and asset utilization
• Production throughput and schedule attainment
• Labour productivity and labour variance
• Conversion cost and cost per unit
• Waste reduction and material usage control
• Stock accuracy and stock rework reduction
• Housekeeping / 5S performance
• Employee capability, climate, and turnover
• Corrective action closure and risk reduction
• Accuracy and timeliness of operational reporting
• Continuous improvement implementation and sustainability

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Production Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma / Operational Excellence training will be advantageous.
• Relevant world-class manufacturing or leadership development certification will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a production management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in food production / FMCG / packaging / processing environment will be advantageous.
• Proven track record in leading teams, improving production performance, and maintaining operational standards.
• Experience in implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and world-class manufacturing principles.
• Experience managing labour, cost, quality, output, and compliance in a live production environment.

Functional Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of production planning and execution
• Good understanding of food safety, GMP, HACCP, sanitation, and compliance
• Strong people management and labour management capability
• Knowledge of OEE, OTIF, conversion cost, waste reduction, and productivity improvement
• Good understanding of stock control, BOM control, and working capital management
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Good understanding of asset utilization and maintenance coordination
• Strong reporting, analytical, and data interpretation skills
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, TQM, and operational excellence systems
• Computer literacy and ability to work with ERP and production reporting systems

Competencies Required

Behavioural Competencies

• Ownership and accountability
• Integrity
• Positive mental attitude
• Conscientiousness
• Resilience under pressure
• Results orientation
• Excellence driven
• Adaptability and agility

Leadership Competencies

• Strong leadership and supervision
• Coaching and mentoring
• Performance management
• Discipline and decision-making
• Team development
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Change leadership

 

Knowledge / Skill Competencies

• Planning and organizing
• Analytical thinking
• Root cause analysis
• Communication
• Financial awareness
• Operational problem-solving
• Continuous improvement
• Risk management

Working Conditions

• This role is based in a manufacturing environment and requires regular presence on the production floor.
• The incumbent may be required to work extended hours, weekends, public holidays, or shifts depending on operational requirements.
• The role requires active engagement with people, machinery, production processes, and live operational pressures.