About the Role:
The Production Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of food production across two locations (Claremont and Cape Town City Centre). This is a new role created to streamline production processes, ensure consistent, high quality standards and support our growing business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes and costs to ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently.
- Deliver top-quality products to the market on time, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and consistency.
- Uphold the high standards and values of our organization, and contribute to our reputation for excellence in the industry.
If you have a passion for food, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in the FMCG sector, we want to hear from you! Take the next step in your career with the Lebanese Bakery and Kitchen, and be part of a company that values innovation, quality, and teamwork.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Draw up a production schedule in line with sales forecasts, capacity (people, equipment), and other material resources to ensure optimal utilization of all resources.
- Monitor the production processes and adjust schedules as needed.
- Manage and oversee the production process to meet delivery timelines.
- Schedule regular equipment and workspace maintenance.
- Maintain records of equipment maintenance and the costs incurred.
- Monitor product standards and implement quality-control programmes wherever required.
- Manage all activities within the production process, including maintenance and the workforce.
- Develop, implement, and enforce production policies and SOPs.
- Create and implement organizational/production changes on an operations level when required (e.g., menu changes, business growth).
- Liaise with managers in different departments, e.g., Finance, HR, suppliers, etc.
- Monitor production goals and plans.
- Identify any major production issues affecting delivery and devise action plans.
- Analyze production data from the POS system (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Devise and implement a report of production progress (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Develop and implement strategies to control food and labour costs without compromising quality.
Inventory Management
- Manage daily stock levels in line with production usage.
- Track and analyze stock usage weekly, monthly, and annually.
- Order stock from suppliers weekly or when required.
- Conduct quality checks on stock delivered.
- Update the stock system with daily production output and sales.
- Update the stock system correctly with stock received from suppliers.
- Ensure that stock is safely stored.
- Conduct stock takes twice a month.
- Keep accurate records of stock takes and update figures on the stock system to ensure figures are aligned to manual stock checklists.
- Track shrinkage and wastage on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
- Develop and implement a process for managing and documenting wastage, including root cause analysis.
Quality Control
- Define and implement product quality standards (including weight testing).
- Ensure recipes are followed and products are produced to standard on a daily basis.
- Train staff on quality standards and monitor ongoing adherence to standards.
- Enforce product quality and time management standards.
- Conduct regular quality checks through taste panels.
- Plan and schedule regular cleaning.
- Maintain strict health checks to mitigate any risk of transference to products and/or customers or staff.
- Devise and implement customer retention strategies and loyalty programmes.
- Monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and report performance to executive management.
Staff Management
- Supervise and motivate employees to foster a positive and collaborative team environment.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively.
- Plan work schedules and manage staff rotation and shifts.
- Conduct regular team meetings to ensure production effectiveness and efficiency.
- Monitor and report non-attendance.
- Initiate staff discipline and manage disciplinary action/conflict in conjunction with HR.
- Participate in new hires and interviews.
- Identify training needs and train staff (if required).
- Conduct performance management and appraisals.
- Manage all teams within the production department (contracts/leave/sick/pay).
Departmental Budgeting
- Understand raw material pricing and fluctuations throughout the year.
- Determine optimal purchasing times (e.g., specials).
- Cost management of products and assist with new product costings models.
- Analyze budgets and continuously control production costs and identify/rectify waste measures.
- Identify opportunities for expense reduction/savings.
- Prepare and report on product costing (weekly, monthly, and annually).
- Prepare and report on wastage (weekly, monthly, and annually).
Supplier Management
- Manage all supplier relationships affecting production.
- Source required raw and dry ingredients with suppliers as needed.
- Negotiate cost-effective prices in line with budgets.
- Report on supplier issues (changes, availability, price increases, reliability).
Hygiene and Safety
- Manage and support SHEQ initiatives and objectives for products and staff.
- Manage and maintain all food safety regulations.
- Keep abreast of any changes in industry regulations and advise executive management on implications and implementation.
New Product Development
- Assess production constraints for new products.
- Conduct recipe building and product tests.
- Develop production plans.
- Manage logistics to ensure production coincides with launch dates.
Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a production management role in the food industry (preferably in a restaurant and/or catering environment).
- Matric certificate.
- Relevant qualification in production.
- Qualification in operations would be advantageous.
Other Key Skills and Competencies
- Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage production schedules and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to problem-solve and make sound decisions.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing needs in a dynamic environment.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
There might be additional responsibilities required of this role depending on the specific needs and future plans of the company. These will be discussed as these needs arise.
Salary: To be discussed with shortlisted candidates and will be dependent on qualifications and experience.
Desired Skills:
- Production processes.
- Production schedules.
- Factory Management.
- Schedule Production.
- Scheduling Production.
- Manufacturing Operations.
Desired Work Experience:
- 2 to 5 years Food & Beverage Manufacturing.
- 2 to 5 years Middle / Department Management.
Desired Qualification Level: