Production Supervisor

Job Title:Production Shift Supervisor

Department:Plant Operations & Manufacturing

Reporting To:Production Manager / Factory Manager

Direct Reports:Machine Operators, Extrusion/Frying Operators, Packers, General Workers

Location:Manufacturing Plant (KZN Tongaat / Verulam)

Seniority Level:Junior-Mid Level Management (Shift Authority)

1. POSITION PURPOSE

The Production Shift Supervisor is critical to ensuring the continuous, efficient, and safe operation of Frimax Foods' high-speed snack manufacturing lines. Operating within a 24/7 facility, this role is responsible for leading all production activities during assigned shifts-including extrusion, frying, flavouring, and packaging.The primary objective is to translate daily production targets into actionable tasks for the floor staff, minimize machine downtime, enforce strict FSSC 22000/GMP food safety standards, and manage the shift's workforce in accordance with South African labour legislation.

2. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAs) & RESPONSIBILITIES

· KPA 1: Shift Operations & Production Output

· Line Supervision: Supervise and coordinate daily production line activities to ensure that output targets, quality requirements, and timelines are met efficiently.

· Resource Optimization: Translate the overarching production plan into clear, hourly milestones for the shift team, ensuring the correct allocation of personnel and raw materials.

· Downtime Minimization: Actively monitor production lines to identify bottlenecks. Investigate production problems immediately to minimize downtime and reduce material waste.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with the Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Stores departments to resolve any engineering or raw material issues that arise during the shift.

· KPA 2: Food Safety & Quality Control

· GMP & HACCP Enforcement: Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP guidelines, and strict food safety regulations (FSSC 22000) across all production lines.

· Quality Checks: Ensure all continuous quality checks (e.g., moisture levels, flavouring distribution, weight controls, and metal detection) are performed and logged accurately by operators.

· Hygiene & Sanitation: Maintain strict hygiene, sanitation, and 5S housekeeping standards on the production floor throughout the shift.

· KPA 3: Staff Management & Industrial Relations

· Shift Leadership: Manage, lead, and motivate a large shift-based team of machine operators and general workers, ensuring optimal utilization of labour.

· Shift Handovers: Oversee seamless and accurate shift handovers to the incoming supervisor, ensuring machines are clear or correctly prepped for the next run.

· Attendance & Discipline: Manage shift attendance, monitor absenteeism, and enforce discipline on the floor. Address grievances and initiate preliminary disciplinary action in accordance with the Labour Relations Act (LRA).

· KPA 4: Health, Safety & Compliance (OHSA)

· Safe Operations: Ensure that all products are manufactured safely and that all team members strictly adhere to company safety policies and Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) regulations.

· SHEQ Compliance: Ensure safety representatives and first aiders are present per shift and that PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is worn correctly at all times.

· KPA 5: Administration & Reporting

· Production Records: Compile and maintain highly accurate daily production records, including yield reports, downtime logs, and waste tracking.

· System Controls: Ensure material usages and production output are correctly accounted for, supporting the SYSPRO/ERP data capture process at the end of each shift.

3. ROLE REQUIREMENTS & COMPETENCIES

· Education: National Diploma or Degree in Food Technology, Production Management, Operations Management, or a related field.

· Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years' experience supervising a production line, shift, or manufacturing team, specifically within a fast-paced FMCG food manufacturing environment.

· Shift Work: Willingness and flexibility to work rotational shift patterns (including day, night, weekends, and public holidays).

· Core Competencies: Strong hands-on leadership skills, technical aptitude for high-speed machinery, ability to work well under pressure, and clear communication skills.

Work Location: In person