Plant Production Manager - Food Processing

About the role

A food processing manufacturer in Harare, Zimbabwe is looking for a Plant Production Manager. The role covers planning, coordinating and supervising all plant production activities, from raw material receiving to finished product packaging and storage, while ensuring quality, food safety and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor process control throughout production and ensure consistent quality of raw materials, products under processing and finished products.
• Implement and maintain quality control and quality management systems, and ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, hygiene, Good Manufacturing Practices and relevant ISO standards.
• Coordinate sensory evaluation of products and laboratory testing of raw materials, packaging materials and finished products.
• Manage and supervise production staff, including supervisors, quality control personnel, laboratory technicians, process engineers and machine operators.
• Ensure proper handling, grading and inspection of raw materials, and monitor production efficiency and targets.
• Supervise production trials for new and improved products and manage non-conforming products and corrective actions.
• Conduct regular housekeeping and hygiene inspections, coordinate plant maintenance to minimise downtime, and compile production, quality control and technical reports.
• Coordinate procurement and inventory of raw materials, packaging materials and production supplies, and work with R&D, Procurement, Marketing and other departments.
• Promote occupational health, safety and environmental compliance.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Processing, Chemical Engineering, Production/Process Engineering or a related field.
• At least five years' relevant experience in food processing, beverage production, fruit and vegetable processing or a related manufacturing environment.
• Relevant supervisory or management experience in production or quality control.
• Experience in process control, quality control and food safety management, and in laboratory and product quality testing (an added advantage).

Required skills

• Knowledge and practical application of HACCP and ISO-based quality management systems (an advantage).
• Experience in production trials and management of non-conforming products (an advantage).