Production Manager Cheese: (Natural Cheese, Processed Cheese, Cheese Packing & Ice cream) at Woodlands Dairy

Job Description
Key Performance Areas: 

• Take overall responsibility for the Natural Cheese, Processed Cheese and Cheese Packing manufacturing facilities. 
• Ensure production targets, yields, efficiencies and waste-reduction objectives are achieved. 
• Maintain GMP standards, housekeeping, product quality and food safety requirements across all cheese manufacturing areas. 
• Maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliance with all Health and Safety regulations. 
• Provide strong leadership, clear communication and effective day-to-day management of production teams. 
• Develop strong teams and transfer skills to employees through coaching, training and good leadership. 
• Plan and manage production activities to ensure adherence to production schedules, product specifications and quality standards. 
• Collaborate with purchasing, supply chain, engineering and quality teams to ensure the availability of raw materials, packaging, equipment and resources required for production. 
• Implement production strategies to optimise resources, reduce costs and maximise output efficiency without compromising quality or food safety. 
• Develop and oversee production schedules, ensuring the efficient allocation of labour, equipment and materials to meet customer demand. 
• Assess and manage production risks by identifying bottlenecks, process deviations or issues that may impact timelines, yields or product quality. 
• Monitor and analyse production data, identify trends and implement corrective actions to improve overall production performance. 
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, quality and food safety requirements, taking appropriate action to mitigate risks. 
• Lead, coach and manage production staff, including guidance, training, performance management and employee engagement initiatives. 
• Work with the engineering department to evaluate and implement new technologies, equipment upgrades and process improvements that enhance production capability. 
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation, identifying process optimisation opportunities and implementing best practices. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Operations/Production Management, Supply chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, a relevant Dairy qualification or a related field. 
• Minimum of 5 years' proven experience in a production management role within the manufacturing industry, preferably within dairy, cheese or a related food manufacturing environment. 
• Sound decision-making skills and the ability to solve problems effectively. 
• Disciplined, reliable and able to work well under pressure. 
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on quality, safety and operational standards. 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and guide teams. 
• Commitment to adhering to Woodlands Dairy policies, procedures and values. 
• Willingness to work overtime when required to meet operational demands.