Production Manager

Westfalia Fruit is a leading global supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to international markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe. With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as avocado experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa. Westfalia Fruit Product, situated in Midrand, has an open role for a suitably qualified and experienced: Production Manager Requirements Purpose of the role: The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing daily ripening, processing, and packing operations to ensure products are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, in full, and in accordance with required quality standards. The role focuses on driving productivity, reducing waste and costs, maintaining compliance with health, safety, and food-safety requirements, and ensuring continuous improvement across all production activities. Key Responsibility: - Lead and manage daily production operations to achieve OTIF, yield, throughput, and efficiency targets. - Ensure strict adherence to food safety, quality, Health & Safety, and compliance standards. - Drive operational discipline, continuous improvement, and process optimisation across all production lines. - Manage and develop production supervisors and teams, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and training. - Oversee ripening protocols, stock accuracy, equipment reliability, and plant uptime. - Manage waste control, quality deviations, and corrective actions. - Collaborate on budgeting, cost control, and ERP (D365) work-order processing. - Support internal audits and maintain required certifications (ISO, food safety, etc.). - Coordinate logistics, dispatch accuracy, and vehicle movement to ensure seamless delivery Education: - Degree or National Diploma in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field. Experience: - Minimum 5 years’ production experience within FMCG, preferably fresh produce or high-velocity environments. - 2+ years’ experience in Health & Safety (8(1) or 8(2) responsibility). - Hands-on experience with food safety, quality, and compliance systems. - 2–3 years’ experience working with ERP systems (e.g., D365). - Advanced MS Office proficiency with strong data and reporting capability. Behavioural Competencies: - Strong communication skills with the ability to motivate and engage teams. - High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. - Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions. - Strong attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset. - Resilient, energetic, and able to perform under pressure. - Strong understanding of FMCG production principles and performance drivers. - Deep knowledge of food-safety, quality, and compliance systems. - Solid grasp of Health & Safety and waste management practices. - Technical aptitude with the ability to address operational issues. - Understanding of labour law basics and workforce planning. - Knowledge of basic biochemistry relating to fruit handling and ripening. - Competence in budgeting, cost control, and operational financial management. Benefits The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, and an option to structure an annual bonus. Closing date for applications will be 09 December 2025 NB: Should you not receive correspondence 31 January 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.