Shift Manager

If you believe a production floor runs on more than luck — that it takes sharp eyes, quick decisions and a genuine knack for keeping people and processes moving together — you may have just found your next move.

The Role (or your chance to keep the treats on track)

As our Shift Manager, you'll take charge of the entire production process within our Treats Production Unit, turning the Production Plan into real results on the floor. From equipment and resourcing to quality checks and safety standards, you'll make sure every shift delivers — on spec, on time, and without compromise.

You'll also lead a close-knit team of Operators, Technicians and Supervisors, keeping shifts running smoothly and morale running high.

What you'll be doing (besides keeping the wheels turning)

Implementation of Production Plans

• Manage the efficient implementation of the production process in line with the Production Plan
• Make the calls on equipment use, activity priorities and resource allocation
• Keep an eye on material and packaging availability ahead of production
• Spot deviations from targets early and get ahead of the solutions
• Liaise with SHEQ and Supply Chain to keep quality and efficiency on point
• Ensure clear, timely and structured shift handovers, with key production, quality, downtime and priority information accurately carried over

Quality Management

• Run ongoing quality checks on appearance, shape, colour and temperature
• Tackle deviations and follow through on fixes, in step with SHEQ

Continuous Improvement and Project Delivery

• Lead practical, shop-floor improvement projects from idea through to implementation, ensuring clear ownership, disciplined execution and measurable results
• Use production data, visual management and team input to identify losses, reduce waste, improve output and strengthen process control through structured problem-solving

Administration and Reporting

• Check shift rosters, attendance and overtime requirements
• Review leave forms, draft production reports and manage correspondence
• Sign off production and quality packs, and oversee stocktakes

Occupational Health and Safety

• Champion safe working procedures and PPE compliance
• Monitor OHS and Food Safety Standards (FSSC 22000) adherence
• Flag hazards, arrange repairs, and keep equipment in good working order

Hygiene and Housekeeping

• Keep personal hygiene, cleaning rosters and deep-cleaning schedules on track
• Sign off hygiene documentation and stay alert to pest control matters

People Management

• Manage the attendance, performance and development of your team
• Set clear expectations for punctuality, timekeeping and shift readiness, leading by example
• Take part in selecting new team members and running regular team meetings
• Approve leave, manage overtime, and bring the Montego culture to life on the floor

What you'll need to bring

• Grade 12 (NQF Level 4)
• A valid Code B driver's licence
• At least 5 years' experience in a Production (FMCG) environment
• At least 5 years' experience supervising or managing staff
• Previous working knowledge of MES systems — advantageous
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with ERP systems
• Previous hands-on experience with process improvement and operational excellence programs

Skills that make things happen

• Managerial
• Planning and organising
• Communication
• Project-focused
• Problem-solving

And the behaviours that make it stick

• Decisive
• Attention to detail
• Reliable
• Sense of urgency

One more thing: this role runs on shifts — including weekends, public holidays, night shifts and overtime — because production doesn't clock off and neither, occasionally, will you.

About Montego

Montego Pet Nutrition, a family business established in 2000 in the Karoo region of South Africa, is a well-loved and innovative pet care brand committed to establishing Africa as an important player in the global pet industry. For 26 years, our genuine love of pets has been at the heart of our business and supports our promise of “Better Every Day”. Today, pet owners in more than 39 countries across multiple continents trust us to produce world-class products with the health and wellbeing of pets in mind.