Job Title: Junior Processing / Production Manager

About the Role: An established free-range poultry producer in Grabouw is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Junior Processing / Production Manager to join its production team. This junior position is designed to develop future production leadership by providing exposure to poultry processing operations, production planning, quality management, equipment efficiency, people management, and continuous improvement practices. In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your supervisory capabilities, apply technical knowledge, and work in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Production Process: Assist in overseeing the poultry processing process from live bird receiving through to packaging.
• Daily Production Operations: Support daily production activities, scheduling, process planning, and operational coordination.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor production performance, efficiencies, yields, waste control, and target attainment.
• Production Planning: Assist with production planning according to customer orders, stock levels, and operational requirements.
• Packing & Quality Standards: Ensure products are packed according to customer specifications and quality standards.
• Team Support & Supervision: Supervise and support production staff, team leaders, and operators where required.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Ensure effective communication between production, quality assurance, maintenance, and logistics teams.
• Equipment Performance: Monitor machinery performance and equipment effectiveness, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Maintenance Coordination: Liaise with maintenance teams regarding equipment breakdowns, preventative maintenance, and operational efficiencies.
• Continuous Improvement: Apply technical knowledge to optimise production processes and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reporting & Reconciliation: Assist with daily production reconciliations, reporting, and documentation.
• Health, Safety & Food Safety: Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements, hygiene standards, GMPs, PRPs, FSMS, and ISO 22000 standards.
• Compliance & Operational Excellence: Maintain adherence to company policies, procedures, audits, inspections, and the 20 Keys Operational Excellence Programme.
• Quality Assurance: Support quality assurance activities and work closely with the QA team to maintain food safety and product quality standards.
• Workforce Planning: Assist with labour utilisation, workforce planning, and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Waste & Cost Control: Contribute to waste reduction, cost control, and operational excellence projects.

Requirements:

• Red seal Millwright
• 0 to 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing, FMCG, poultry, food production, or engineering environment.
• Strong planning, organisational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Sound technical and mechanical aptitude with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications.
• Additional training in Food Safety, HACCP, ISO 22000, Occupational Health and Safety, or Lean Manufacturing is advantageous.
• Exposure to production processes, maintenance, automation, or industrial equipment is advantageous.
• Strong leadership potential and willingness to develop supervisory skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, maintain attention to detail, uphold quality standards, and work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.

What We Offer

• Relocation Support: The company provides assistance towards relocation costs to Grabouw.
• (Note: Farm accommodation is not available )