Unit Manager at The Coca-Cola Company

Key Purpose 

• The Unit Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end performance of the production unit by ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of daily and weekly production targets. The role drives operational excellence through strong people leadership, equipment reliability, adherence to QFSE and safety standards, and disciplined execution of production plans. This position ensures continuous improvement across quality, productivity, waste reduction, and team capability while collaborating cross-functionally to optimise plant performance and maintain a high-reliability manufacturing environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Outcomes 

Production Management

• Plan and monitor daily and weekly production schedules to achieve volume, efficiency, and quality targets.
• Analyze production performance and drive corrective actions to meet operational KPIs.
• Ensure accurate recording of production data and maintain production records.

Asset Care and Equipment Reliability

• Support Engineering and Maintenance Manager in planning and executing preventive and autonomous maintenance activities.
• Foster operator ownership of equipment through Autonomous Maintenance practices.
• Participate in root cause analysis of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.

Cost and Resource Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets for the production unit, including labor, materials, and overheads.
• Monitor cost performance against budget, identifying and addressing variances.
• Drive waste reduction and efficient resource utilization.

Quality and Food Safety

• Enforce adherence to Quality at Source principles and compliance with QFSE standards.
• Collaborate with the QFSE Manager to investigate and resolve quality issues, implementing preventive actions.
• Promote continuous improvement in product quality and process reliability.

Safety, Health, and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Conduct safety inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Promote a culture of safety through training, communication, and visible leadership.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and prioritize performance improvement opportunities based on KPI analysis and process performance.
• Lead problem-solving sessions and implement solutions to eliminate root causes.
• Collaborate with the Continuous Improvement Specialist to embed lean practices.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor Production Team Leaders and Training Controllers to build capability and drive engagement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and manage individual development plans.
• Ensure that training and skills development are prioritized and aligned with operational requirements.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Engage with peers (e.g., Stores, Quality, Engineering, Projects) to optimize supply chain flow, resource allocation, and plant reliability.
• Foster a collaborative and solutions-oriented work environment

Skills, Experience & Education    
Education

• National Diploma or Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Relevant 3 year post matric qualification (N6 or S4 Diploma) and technical and/or production management experience.

Experience

• 5–8 years in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity
• Proven track record in managing high-volume production environments, preferably FMCG or beverage industry
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving CI projects

Skills

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and bottling operations
• Proficient in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar methodologies
• Data analysis and interpretation of operational metrics (OEE, yield, etc.)
• Budgeting and cost control understanding
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite 
• Familiarity with manufacturing systems such 
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of South African labour law and OHSA preferable

Deadline:20th February,2026