About the position
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee the end-to-end production and operations of our granola and breakfast bar facility. The role is responsible for ensuring efficient manufacturing processes, compliance with food safety standards, cost control, and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality products to market. In addition to internal operations, the operations manager plays a key role in dealing directly with customers – building strong relationships, addressing service issues, understanding demand trends, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
Production & Operations
- Plan, coordinate, and manage all factory operations including production, packaging, warehousing, and logistics.
- Implement production schedules to meet customer demand while minimizing downtime and waste.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards (HACCP, FSSC 22000, or equivalent).
- Monitor product quality.
- Monitor Quality controls
- Monitor Customer complaints
People Management
- Lead, train, and motivate production staff to achieve operational excellence.
- Develop and maintain a positive workplace culture that prioritizes safety, accountability, and teamwork.
- Conduct performance reviews and build succession plans for key roles.
Financial & Resource Management
- Manage budgets, control operational costs, and optimize resource allocation.
- Track and report on KPIs such as production output, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), wastage, and downtime.
- Collaborate with procurement to ensure availability of raw materials and packaging at competitive costs.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Enforce compliance with occupational health and safety legislation (OHSA) and company policies.
- Promote sustainability initiatives in energy use, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing.
Maintenance
- Ensure preventative maintenance is adhered to and ensure budget targets are met;
- Ensure that major/preventative maintenance and new project timelines are adhered to, and budget targets are met;
- Ensure that maintenance strategy (preventative, predictive or reactive) aligns with operational goals.
R&D
- Manage R&D and ensure they are cost effectively processing new samples
- Reformulate current suppliers’ products and find new ingredients and options
- Coordinate required samples
- Budget and resource management
- Operational feasibility
- Provide a plan and timelines for all R&D
Project Management
- Ensure project support overall company strategy and operational goals
- Evaluate feasibility and long-term impact
- Determine how the project will impact and integrate with current operations
- Allocate resources: workforce, machinery, space, systems and budgets
- Identify constraints and plans for capacity adjustments
- Facilitate communication between departments
- Ensure all functions are aligned and working towards project timelines
- Identify operational risks
- Ensure project meets required safety regulations
- Establish contingency plans and compliance checkpoints
- Monitor progress against operational deadlines
- Track project costs and ensure they stay within approved limits
- Identify cost saving opportunities
- Participate in project selections, budgets and prioritization.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Food Technology, or related field.
- Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably in cereals, snacks, or bakery.
- Proven track record in managing high-volume FMCG production facilities.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO/FSSC 22000 and South African food safety regulations.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
Key Skills:
- Leadership and people management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Results-oriented with a focus on efficiency and quality.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
What We Offer:
- Competitive market-related salary.
- Opportunity to lead a growing manufacturing operation.
- Supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
Desired Skills:
- Leadership and people management
- Excellent communication
- Problem-solving
