GENERAL MANAGER (Food Manufacturing)

Contact person for this position:

Rayleen Lentz

rayleen@joblinkplacement.co.za

We are a specialised food manufacturer of private-label perishable and shelf-stable foods. We have a national footprint, supplying products daily into central DCs for despatch around the country. We are seeking a candidate who has successfully managed a medium-sized business with approximately 50-100 employees.

Description of role:

We are seeking a General Manager to oversee all staff, budgets, and operations of the business. The responsibilities include implementing the overall business strategy, managing people and establishing policies.

To be successful in this role, the candidate should be a thoughtful leader and a confident decision-maker, helping our people develop and be productive. They should demonstrate excellent leadership skills and effectively communicate the company’s vision across all levels. They should have experience in the same or a similar role, managing all business operations and setting goals across the entire organisation.

Ultimately, they will ensure that all business functions align with the company’s strategic goals and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and motivate a team of manufacturing employees, providing guidance, mentorship, and training.
• Manage employee performance, conduct evaluations, and address employee conflicts.
• Ensure a positive and collaborative work environment.

Operational Management:

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure efficient and timely production.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve production efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Manage and control production costs and budgets.
• Monitor and analyse production performance, identifying areas for improvement.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies to align with business goals and objectives.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and innovation within the manufacturing facility.
• Set policies and processes accordingly.

Quality and Compliance:

• Ensure that products meet quality standards and comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Implement and enforce quality control procedures and safety protocols.

Financial Management:

• Manage and control the manufacturing budget to ensure financial performance and profitability.
• Analyse financial data and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including maintenance, quality assurance, and sales, to achieve business goals.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, department heads, and other stakeholders.
• Manage customer/client expectations and/or needs.

Recruitment and Onboarding:

• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new employees.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a General Manager or similar role.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Experience in planning, budgeting, manufacturing operations, process improvement, and quality control.
• Strong knowledge of business processes and functions (operations, manufacturing, finance, HR, procurement, technologies, industry standards, etc).
• Excellent communication, numeracy skills and analytical ability.
• Outstanding organisational and leadership skills.
• Problem-solving aptitude.
• BSc/BCom in Business or Operations Management or a relevant field.

Not essential but useful

• Experience with databases and project management software.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Personal attributes

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.
• Team player with a desire to help and work with others and handle pressure well.
• Grow and support the staff.
• Results-oriented and deadline-driven.
• Decisive and action oriented.
• Leads by example, sharing company culture and values.
• Principled, organised and conscientious.
• A relatable, collaborative approach to problem-solving and teamwork.

Reporting

• The incumbent would report to the CEO.
• The position is based in Cape Town.