Job Title: Production Manager
Company: The Lebanese Bakery and Kitchen
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
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! Submit your CV and cover letter to support@lebanesebakery.co.za
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
Production
- Draws up a production schedule in line with sales forecasts, capacity (people, equipment) and other material resources to ensure optimal utilization of all resources
- Monitors the production processes and adjusts schedules as needed
- Manages and oversees the production process to meet delivery timelines
- Schedule regular equipment and workspace maintenance
- Maintains records of equipment maintenance and the costs incurred
- Monitors product standards and implements 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)
- Liases 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 requiredConduct quality checks on stock delivered
- Update the stock system with daily production output and salesUpdate the stock system correctly with stock received from suppliers
- Ensure that stock is safely stored
- Conduct stock takes twice a monthKeep 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-attendanceInitiate 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 measuresIdentify 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 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
