Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us
Willowton Group has grown to become South Africa’s largest sunflower seed crusher as well as one of the leading competitors in the South African FMCG market. Its’ wide range of products encompasses edible oils, margarines and spreads, beauty, toilet and laundry soaps, candles, chocolate, baking and industrial fats. Well-known brands include: Sunf...
Background to the Company
Willowton Group has been in operation since 1970 and has grown to become one of Africa’s leading edible oil processors, as well as one of the leading competitors in the South African FMCG market.
The group operates across South Africa with manufacturing facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Willowton Group has recently completed expanding its manufacturing operations into Zambia and Zimbabwe, with aspirations to further extend its reach to customers throughout Africa.
A wide range of products encompasses edible oils, rice, margarines and spreads, beauty, toilet and laundry soaps, candles, baking and industrial fats. Well-known brands include, amongst others, Sunfoil, Sunshine D, D’lite, Crown, WoodenSpoon, and Allsome rice.
Key to the group’s success are the sound foundations of service excellence, continued investment in technology and human resources and the hands-on involvement of the directors in the day-to-day running of the business.
By combining flexibility and vision with a sound business approach, the company is set to strengthen its position in the FMCG market even further, now and into the future.
Principal Accountabilities
- Overseeing all aspects of the bottling operations, including production scheduling, equipment maintenance, quality control, and inventory management.
- Developing and implementing production plans to meet customer demand while optimizing efficiency and minimizing downtime.
- Managing a team of bottling supervisors, line operators, and support staff, and providing leadership, guidance, and support to ensure high levels of performance and morale.
- Ensuring that bottling equipment is properly maintained and serviced to minimize breakdowns and downtime, and coordinating repairs as necessary.
- Implementing and enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Monitoring production processes and quality control measures to ensure that products meet established standards and specifications.
- Analysing production data and identifying opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and efficiency gains.
- Managing inventory levels of packaging materials, chemicals, and other supplies, and coordinating replenishment orders as needed.
- Collaborating with other departments, such as production planning, maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics, to optimize overall production processes and resolve any issues or challenges.
- Developing and implementing training programs for bottling staff to enhance their skills and knowledge and improve overall performance.
- Managing budgetary and financial aspects of the bottling operations, including cost control, budget forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives related to bottling operations.
- Serving as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies, regarding bottling operations.
Desired Qualifications
- A tertiary qualification with a production management diploma would be acceptable.
- A diploma in packaging technology would be advantages.
- Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a Production management role in a bottling or manufacturing environment, with a strong track record of success.
- Extensive knowledge of bottling processes, equipment, and technologies, including fillers, cappers, labelers, and conveyors.
- Proven leadership abilities, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve results.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental requirements relevant to bottling operations.