Our client, a well-established edible oil refinery and packing operation based in Johannesburg South, is seeking a hands-on, technically strong Production Manager to take ownership of its bottling and packaging operation. This is not a desk-based role; the successful candidate will spend much of their time on the factory floor, leading the team and troubleshooting problems to drive output, quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

•     Take full ownership of the filling and packaging operation, including people, machines, output, quality, downtime and efficiency.

•     Plan and schedule production to consistently achieve daily, weekly and monthly output targets on high-volume liquid filling lines.

•     Lead from the factory floor, actively troubleshooting mechanical, process and line-balancing problems as they arise.

•     Monitor and improve line performance, including efficiency (OEE), downtime, yields, waste and product giveaway.

•     Oversee the correct operation, set-up and changeovers of fillers, cappers, labellers, conveyors and end-of-line packaging machinery.

•     Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure effective planned and preventive maintenance of machines and instruments.

•     Ensure all finished products meet quality specifications, including fill volumes, cap and seal integrity, labelling and coding.

•     Manage and maintain the Food Safety Management System (e.g. HACCP / FSSC 22000) and ensure the plant is audit-ready at all times.

•     Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and site health and safety procedures.

•     Plan and control raw and packaging materials (oil, bottles, caps, labels, cartons) and liaise with stores and procurement to prevent line stoppages.

•     Lead, train, motivate and manage production supervisors, operators and general workers, including shift rosters and labour allocation.

•     Compile and present accurate daily production reports, KPIs and variance analyses to senior management.

•     Drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across the bottling and packaging operation.

•     Liaise with the refinery, quality, warehouse and dispatch teams to ensure a smooth flow of product from refining through to dispatch.

Requirements

Our client, a well-established edible oil refinery and packing operation based in Johannesburg South, is seeking a hands-on, technically strong Production Manager to take ownership of its bottling and packaging operation. This is not a desk-based role; the successful candidate will spend much of their time on the factory floor, leading the team and troubleshooting problems to drive output, quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

•     Take full ownership of the filling and packaging operation, including people, machines, output, quality, downtime and efficiency.

•     Plan and schedule production to consistently achieve daily, weekly and monthly output targets on high-volume liquid filling lines.

•     Lead from the factory floor, actively troubleshooting mechanical, process and line-balancing problems as they arise.

•     Monitor and improve line performance, including efficiency (OEE), downtime, yields, waste and product giveaway.

•     Oversee the correct operation, set-up and changeovers of fillers, cappers, labellers, conveyors and end-of-line packaging machinery.

•     Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure effective planned and preventive maintenance of machines and instruments.

•     Ensure all finished products meet quality specifications, including fill volumes, cap and seal integrity, labelling and coding.

•     Manage and maintain the Food Safety Management System (e.g. HACCP / FSSC 22000) and ensure the plant is audit-ready at all times.

•     Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and site health and safety procedures.

•     Plan and control raw and packaging materials (oil, bottles, caps, labels, cartons) and liaise with stores and procurement to prevent line stoppages.

•     Lead, train, motivate and manage production supervisors, operators and general workers, including shift rosters and labour allocation.

•     Compile and present accurate daily production reports, KPIs and variance analyses to senior management.

•     Drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across the bottling and packaging operation.

•     Liaise with the refinery, quality, warehouse and dispatch teams to ensure a smooth flow of product from refining through to dispatch.

Benefits

Our client is offering a market-related salary, negotiable depending on experience and qualifications, along with benefits in line with company policy.

Enquiries and Applications

Should you have any further enquiries regarding this opportunity, please email applications@morton-moore.com. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, during which the position, client requirements and recruitment process will be discussed in more detail.

Recruitment and POPIA Disclaimer

This vacancy is advertised by Morton Moore, acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of our client. By submitting your application, CV and supporting information, you acknowledge that your personal information will be collected and processed for legitimate recruitment and employment related purposes in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA). Your information may be assessed against the requirements of this vacancy and, where appropriate and subject to applicable legal requirements, shared with the relevant client and service providers involved in the recruitment process. Applications are subject to the requirements and selection criteria of the client, and submission of an application does not guarantee an interview, placement or offer of employment. Morton Moore reserves the right, together with its client, not to proceed with or fill the vacancy. No fees will be charged to candidates for recruitment or placement services. Any employment offer will be made by the client and will remain subject to the client’s applicable employment, verification and onboarding requirements.