PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Leads and manages all Hartlief factory operations to deliver world-class performance in food safety, quality, productivity, cost-efficiency and cold chain compliance. Oversees the full production value chain from demand planning, fresh meat receiving, deboning, processing, slicing and packaging to HACCP quality assurance, plant efficiency and loss control, while managing people, finances, reporting and process optimization. Coordinates closely with procurement, maintenance, engineering and quality assurance to ensure optimal use of people, machinery and materials and drives equipment and process innovations that enhance output and product quality.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
- Bachelors’ Degree in Food Science or Production/Operations Management or Industrial Engineering or related field.
- 8 years’ experience in a FMCG environment, 4 years should be in a managerial role.
- Meat Technology/Fleischmeister Diploma and meat industry experience will be an added advantage.
- Experience working with SAP Production System will be an added advantage.
- Strong drive to implement systems and efficiencies.
KEY JOB OUTPUTS:
- Lead factory operations in alignment with business strategy, production schedules and customer demand.
- Set and monitor performance targets for output, yield, quality, cost and on-time delivery.
- Coordinate production with procurement, engineering, maintenance and quality functions.
- Plan and manage capacity to meet seasonal and long-term business needs.
- Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental and food safety regulations, including cold chain management.
- Ensure products meet quality specifications and customer requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement in hygiene, occupational health and legal compliance standards.
- Implement best practice methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce reworks.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives for recurring production issues.
- Recommend and implement process, technology, and layout improvements.
- Manage operational budgets, ensuring cost efficiency in labour, electricity, materials and overheads.
- Analyze performance data to identify and act on cost-reduction opportunities.
- Ensure effective asset care, preventive maintenance and capital investment planning.
- Lead, coach and develop teams to meet operational goals.
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Manage workforce planning, training and succession to ensure operational readiness.
- Live and Lead the O&L Persona daily in all discussions and actions.
Closing Date: 13 May 2026
