Production Manager (Fresh Produce)

About the position

Are you working in a fresh produce / cold chain environment?

WE WANT YOU IF YOU HAVE A:

• Min. of 3 to 5 years' experience in Production Management or Operations. 
• Exp. in fresh produce, cold-chain processes.
• A strong leader with 3 - 5 years' of management exp.

For any questions, contact Nicole on: [Phone Number Removed]; or email: [Email Address Removed]
Minimum requirements:

• Diploma or degree in Operations Management, Production Management, Supply Chain, or a related field (advantageous).
• 3–5 years’ experience in a production or operations environment, ideally in fresh produce, food processing, or FMCG.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a high-paced environment.
• Knowledge of cold-chain logistics and produce quality standards preferred.
• Strong operational understanding of fresh produce handling, packing, and cold-chain processes.
• Experience with production planning and workflow optimisation.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.

Personality Traits:

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Operational Management:
  • Plan, organise, and manage daily production schedules across all processing and packing lines.
  • Ensure efficient staging, allocation, and movement of produce from receiving to dispatch.
  • Maintain optimal workflow to meet customer orders and delivery timelines.
  • Coordinate closely with Staging, QC, Procurement, Dispatch, and Operations teams to ensure alignment and operational continuity.
  
  


• Quality and Food Safety:
  
  • Enforce compliance with all food safety protocols, hygiene standards, and internal QA requirements.
  • Work with the Quality Control team to resolve quality deviations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
  • Monitor produce-handling practices to minimise waste and maintain product integrity.
  
  


• Team Leadership:
  
  • Supervise, lead, and motivate production supervisors, line leaders, and general staff.
  • Schedule shifts, manage attendance, and ensure adequate staffing for operational demands.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, performance management, and skills development.
  
  


• Cost and Resource Management:
  
  • Manage labour efficiency and control overtime to meet budget targets.
  • Monitor consumables, packaging materials, and equipment usage to minimise waste.
  • Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within production operations.
  
  


• Equipment and Facility Oversight:
  
  • Ensure all equipment functions optimally and coordinate maintenance as needed.
  • Maintain a clean, organised, and safe production environment.
  • Report facility or equipment issues promptly to Maintenance or Management.
  
  


• Data, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement:
  
  • Track production KPIs such as throughput, accuracy, waste, downtime, and labour productivity.
  • Generate daily, weekly, and monthly production reports.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including workflow optimisation, process enhancements, and automation opportunities.
  • Ensure accurate documentation relating to traceability, production logs, and compliance.
  
  


• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
  
  • Achieve order fulfilment accuracy and on-time dispatch.
  • Maintain production throughput and workflow efficiency.
  • Manage labour cost versus budget and productivity per hour.
  • Minimise waste and shrink levels.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety and audit standards.
  • Monitor staff performance, retention, and attendance.
  • Maximise equipment uptime and reduce downtime.
  
  


• Working Conditions:
  
  • Operate in a cold-chain environment with extended periods of standing and movement.
  • Work early mornings, late shifts, weekends, or public holidays as required during peak periods.
  • Perform effectively in a fast-paced, demanding operational setting.
  
  

Desired Skills:

• Production Manager
• Cold chain
• Fresh produce
• Fruit and veg
• Operations Manager
• Production planner

Employer & Job Benefits:

• Pension fund
• Medical Aid