Production Manager - Food Manufacturing (CAPE TOWN)

The Focus Group Cape Town, South Africa 06 July 2026 Mid R25 000 - R30 000 (neg.) Full Time Cost To Company On-site 5 years Skills Data Analysis Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Lean Manufacturing Material Requirements Planning Industries Food and Beverage Job Description Operations & Scheduling

• Develop manufacturing schedules to ensure timely customer order fulfilment.
• Balance resource allocation including workforce shifts and raw material inputs.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and execute rapid troubleshooting procedures.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with procurement, engineering, and logistics teams.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Enforce production standards in alignment with quality management systems.
• Uphold safety regulations to guarantee compliance with health and environmental laws.
• Monitor line rejects rates and execute root-cause analyses on structural defects.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage plant budgets and monitor labour, material, and overhead costs.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as run speed, downtime, and yield.
• Compile production reports regularly for senior corporate leadership.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Oversee preventive maintenance to minimize unexpected machinery failures.
• Approve equipment upgrades and manage capital expenditure testing setups.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise floor personnel including operators, supervisors, and quality inspectors.
• Conduct performance appraisals and execute necessary disciplinary or coaching plans.
• Organize safety training and skills development modules for factory staff.

Skills and Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, or industrial management.
• 5+ years of experience in a high-turnover, multi-line manufacturing facility.

Technical Proficiencies

• Lean manufacturing methodologies including 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma applications.
• Software proficiency with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and ERP frameworks.
• Data analytics capabilities to evaluate spreadsheet metrics and optimize process flows.

Core Competencies

• Decisive problem-solving under intense deadline and output pressures.
• Clear communication style tailored for both floor operators and executive boards.