Production Manager

Position: Production Manager
Location: Bonnievale, Western Cape
Salary: R50,000 to R70,000 basic per month, negotiable
About the Role
A well-established dairy manufacturing business in the Western Cape is looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead their cheese and butter manufacturing operations. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced food production environment and knows how to build strong teams, drive efficiency and embed a food safety culture.
This position reports to the Operations Manager.
Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate weekly production schedules and personnel shifts aligned with customer demand and supply chain requirements
• Report daily, weekly and monthly on production yields, operational efficiency, overtime and downtime
• Coordinate raw milk and cream intake and ingredient availability
• Manage planned shutdowns and preventative maintenance programmes with the maintenance team and external contractors
• Drive continuous improvement across labour, production costs, ingredients, packaging and machinery
• Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and dairy industry standards
• Work closely with the Quality Department on product integrity, critical control points and non-conformances
• Coordinate across Finance, HR, Quality, Sales, Logistics and Maintenance departments
• Evaluate, develop and performance-manage production staff
• Ensure full OHS compliance and promote a safe, professional working environment
• Available after hours and on weekends as operationally required

• Grade 12
• Formal degree or diploma in Operations Management, Project Management or a relevant dairy qualification
• Minimum 8 years production management experience
• Dairy or FMCG experience is advantageous

• Grade 12
• Minimum 10 years experience in Production Management, People Management or as a Head Cheese Maker
• Dairy or FMCG experience is advantageous

• Proven production management experience of 8 to 10 years, depending on qualification
• Strong people management and leadership track record
• Solid food safety compliance knowledge
• Willingness to relocate to Bonnievale
• Available after hours and on weekends as required

• Negotiable basic salary
• Old Mutual Superfund pension (3% employer contribution)
• Annual performance bonus paid in November, pro rata
• Relocation assistance and first month accommodation covered