Packing Plant Supervisor

The Packing Plant Supervisor is responsible for the overall supervision, monitoring, and execution of production activities on site. This role ensures that production targets, quality, safety, and hygiene standards are met consistently while optimizing resource utilization, maintaining operational efficiency, and meeting customer requirements. The supervisor will coordinate with line leaders, quality controllers, and cleaning teams to deliver seamless operations while fostering team development and morale

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Operations Management

• Communicate daily production objectives and targets to shifts.

• Assess and confirm staffing levels prior to each shift, requesting additional resources from the Processing Manager as required.

• Ensure the production line operates continuously and efficiently according to the assigned plan.

• Immediately report any deviations, disruptions, or potential production delays to the Processing Manager.

• Prioritize tasks to meet production deadlines and adjust resource allocations to ensure targets are achieved at the lowest possible cost.

• Conduct pre-startup, in-process, and post-shift checks and accurately document all data.

• Plan, calculate, and implement the most efficient use of resources including time, material, and personnel to minimize waste.

• Monitor raw material usage and report potential shortages to the Processing Manager.

• Coordinate with other line leaders to optimize resource utilization across facilities.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and performance.

Equipment & Flow Management

• Ensure all machinery and equipment are in proper working order.

• Report equipment faults or breakdowns immediately to minimize downtime.

• Supervise the correct and safe use of all tools and equipment by the team.

• Maintain a smooth and uninterrupted flow of products to prevent contamination.

• Monitor and manage removal of all reject or non-conforming products according to SOPs.

Quality, Safety & Hygiene Compliance

• Enforce adherence to all SOPs, HACCP, ISO, and National Base Operating Standards.

• Actively monitor and enforce safety regulations, including mandatory use of PPE.

• Verify all employees comply with food safety standards.

• Ensure all access doors and gates are secured to prevent unauthorized entry.

• Conduct pre-start hygiene inspections and take corrective actions as needed.

• Collaborate with cleaning teams to ensure cleanliness, plant washing, sanitation, and waste removal.

• Halt production and report non-conforming products immediately to the Processing Manager.

• Report and propose corrective actions for all non-compliance or non-conformance issues.

Team Supervision & Development

• Supervise and guide the packing team to ensure production targets are met.

• Proactively manage adherence to performance and compliance standards, initiating disciplinary action if required.

• Monitor and report daily time and attendance, leave requests, and escalate to Processing Manager for approval.

• Continuously assess technical skills and competence of the team.

• Provide on-the-job training and support to improve individual and team performance.

• Identify development needs and collaborate with the Processing Manager on training plans.

• Leverage individual strengths within the team to maximize efficiency.

Communication & Team Morale

• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Actively communicate production goals, updates, and issues with the team.

• Resolve conflicts effectively and ensure information flow across shifts and departments.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Matric / Grade 12 required; relevant tertiary qualification or technical certificate in production, manufacturing, or logistics preferred.

• Experience:

o Minimum 5 years' supervisory experience in production or packing within FMCG or food manufacturing.

o Proven ability to manage, maintain, and deliver against customer requirements.

o Experience in production planning, execution, and operations management.

o Demonstrated experience in team leadership, coaching, and performance management.