Plant Manager at Multiform Human Development

Purpose of the job:

• To lead and manage the overall manufacturing operations of the Company by planning, directing, and coordinating all production and operational activities in a safe, cost-effective, and efficient manner.
• The Plant Manager is accountable for achieving business objectives through operational excellence in Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Projects, Supply Chain, Warehousing, Quality, and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) while ensuring compliance with company standards, food safety requirements, customer expectations, and South African legislation. This role is responsible for driving continuous improvement, organizational capability, automation, and sustainable profitability.

Fundamental Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Food Technology, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification in Business Management or Operations Management will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Plant Manager, Industrial Manager, or Operations Manager in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams within a food manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Experience managing Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Warehousing, Projects, and EHS functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets, CAPEX projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience supervising and directing teams to achieve business results within demanding operational environments.

Systems & Tools Knowledge

• Proven experience using SAP (Production Planning, Materials Management, Reporting, and related modules).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, dashboards, and data analysis).
• Strong ERP and manufacturing systems knowledge.
• Excellent reporting and data-driven decision-making capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Technical & Professional Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, ISO 22000, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Root Cause Analysis, 5S, Continuous Improvement, an operational excellence methodologies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs including OEE, yield, downtime, productivity, and losses analysis.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, cost reduction programmes, inventory, and working capital.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain, maintenance strategies, engineering projects, and production planning.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering

• Partner Develop and execute the plant strategy aligned with the Company's regional and global business objectives.
• Partner with the General Manager and senior leadership team to support business growth and operational excellence.
• Translate business strategy into measurable operational plans and performance targets.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making as a member of the Management Team.
• Drive business transformation, automation, digitalisation, and continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
• Establish robust performance management routines supported by KPIs and data-driven decision-making.

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Own the plant operational budget and manufacturing cost performance.
• Deliver annual productivity, efficiency, and cost-saving targets.
• Monitor operational expenditure and identify opportunities for margin improvement.
• Manage inventory, working capital, fixed assets, and manufacturing resources efficiently.
• Lead CAPEX planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring in collaboration with Finance and the General Manager.
• Sponsor investment projects focused on safety, quality, automation, capacity expansion, and productivity improvements.

Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Lead all manufacturing operations to consistently meet customer demand, quality standards, delivery targets, and profitability objectives.
• Optimise plant capacity, asset utilisation, labour productivity, production efficiency, and manufacturing performance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), Root Cause Analysis, 5S, and Continuous Improvement methodologies throughout the organisation.
• Ensure preventative maintenance is effectively integrated into production planning.
• Monitor production losses, downtime, yield, OEE, and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.
• Lead productivity improvement and cost reduction initiatives across the plant.
• Manage production planning, warehousing, inventory management, and material flow to ensure optimal customer service.

Supply Chain & Customer Service

• Lead a Ensure reliable supply of products in the required quantity and quality to meet customer commitments.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Commercial, Supply Planning, and Quality teams to optimise inventory levels, customer service, and operational costs.
• Support business continuity through effective production execution and supply chain performance.
• Negotiate supplier quotations relating to maintenance, engineering, and operational investment projects.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Foster and maintain a Zero Harm and Safety First culture across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation, environmental regulations, and  EHS standards.
• Lead environmental and sustainability initiatives focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, resource optimisation, and environmental stewardship.
• Conduct risk assessments, implement corrective actions, and proactively manage operational risks.
• Ensure business continuity and operational risk mitigation plans are maintained.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, food safety standards, customer requirements, and all applicable South African legislation.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance team to maintain world-class food safety and quality systems.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory inspections, and customer compliance requirements.
• Maintain effective internal controls and governance processes.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and sustain a high-performance culture based on accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop departmental managers and high-potential employees.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, talent development, and organisational capability.
• Set departmental goals, KPIs, and performance expectations.
• Identify skills gaps and implement development and training initiatives.
• Promote Company values while fostering an inclusive and performance-oriented workplace.
• Manage recruitment, performance management, disciplinary matters, and employee relations in partnership with Human Resources and in accordance with the BCEA and South African labour legislation.
• Maintain positive relationships with unions and employee representatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Executive Leadership Team, customers, key clients, suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with government and regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and local communities.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Analytical and systematic approach to strategic-level decision-making.
• Strong leadership to create synergy and cohesion among employees.
• Ability to work with, lead, and adapt to a diverse workforce.
• Innovative and creative thinking with the ability to implement ideas collaboratively.
• Conscientious, deadline-driven, and able to manage transversal projects.
• Resilient, persevering, and passionate about the Company's people, processes, services, and clients.
• Effective and precise communication, both oral and written.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and plan according to schedules.
• Perform effectively under pressure and tight timelines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Sound business acumen.

Closing Date 18 September 2026