TRAFFIC Gauteng

Food Production Manager CPU

Empact Group
South African Rand . ZAR 300,000 - 400,000

Job Description

Purpose of the role: We are on the hunt for an extraordinary Production manager for our Central Production Kitchen, preferably a master of food production on a large scale, to join our culinary dream team. Your expertise in food safety and adherence to the highest industry standards will be invaluable in this role. Your encyclopaedic knowledge of food safety regulations will ensure that our kitchen operates like a well oiled machine, guaranteeing our guests' utmost satisfaction and safety.

But it doesn't stop there. We are seeking a candidate who possesses a deep rooted love for organization, team management, and the art of seamless workflow processes. You will have the opportunity to create and lead your team, guiding and inspiring them to deliver dishes that leave our guests in awe.

As a true culinary connoisseur, you will possess a thorough understanding of food costs and technical know how to navigate stock count software with finesse. Your financial acumen will ensure that our kitchen operates efficiently and effectively, maximizing profitability without compromising on quality.

Function and Responsibilities
  • Be responsible for the overall production of quality products that meet the Company's operational goals.
  • Provide leadership, support and guidance to team members to ensure that food quality, standard operating procedures, sanitation, inventory levels, food safety guidelines, productivity and customer service are met.
  • Establish and manage manufacturing KPIs (key performance index) such as plant productivity, safety, quality, cost and delivery. Take corrective actions to achieve KPI as needed.
  • Ensure the schedules of the people, facility, equipment, materials, and documents are established and maintained to support the capacity/throughput of the facility.
  • Act as a technical resource to address and resolve inquiries and problems regarding production and quality.
  • Identify and mitigate risks in manufacturing operations that could negatively impact delivery of safe and quality product.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain SOP of each production workstation and HACCP System.
  • Perform routine and preventive maintenance and repair on equipment; ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and perform periodic safety checks.
  • Recruit, train and manage new staff to meet operation targets.
  • Mentor and develop exceptional individual contributors and front line leaders.
  • Foster "Do the right thing at first time" culture and execute manufacturing unit by providing direct training, guidance, and problem solving.
  • Plan and schedule food preparation based on demand and events.
  • Collaborate with suppliers for top quality ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Optimize food inventory management to minimize waste.
  • Control costs through monitoring food expenses and portion control.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Stay updated on industry trends and culinary innovations.
  • Foster creativity in developing new recipes and menu items.
Required Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control for food manufacturing is required.
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, as well as basic math skills are required.
  • Extensive knowledge of SOPs and HACCP are preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in developing/implementing continuous improvement initiatives and accountability programs is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Total Quality Management and demonstrated by successful completion of a major improvement project are plus.
  • Must be detail oriented and can multi task effectively.
  • Ability to develop work standard manufacturing procedural documents.
  • Strong leadership experience/people managerial, strong verbal and written communications.
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree and Chefs Qualification minimum 3 - 5 years manufacturing experience.
  • Minimum 3-5 years in food manufacturing management experience as Operations Manager/Process Leader.
  • Minimum of 7 - 10 years Chefs experience.
  • Experience in leadership position during a manufacturing plant start up is a plus.

Job Overview

Date Posted
12 Mar 2026
Salary
South African Rand . ZAR 300,000 - 400,000
Location
Gauteng, South Africa

Similar Opportunities

This page incorporates data from O_NET OnLine, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), under the CC BY 4.0 license. O_NET is a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Assessify has adapted and modified the original content. Please note that USDOL/ETA has neither reviewed nor endorsed these changes.