Reporting to: Operations Site Manager

Location: Alrode, Johannesburg

About the Libstar Wet Condiments Category:

The Wet Condiments Category is part of the Libstar Ambient Products Category, with business sites located in Montagu, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. We operate within a dynamic, forward-thinking organization dedicated to driving innovation, fostering growth, and creating a supportive, inclusive work environment. As part of the broader Libstar team, our goal is to grow our food brands and category solutions in a sustainable and profitable manner. We prioritize building strong relationships with our customers and aim to be South Africa’s leading producer and distributor of high-quality products and brands. To achieve this, we believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in their development and well-being.

Purpose of the Role:

The Production Manager is responsible for leading and optimising all bottling and raw material operations at our Alrode site. This role ensures production runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely—meeting demand on time, every time. The incumbent will drive production scheduling, align resources effectively, and maintain compliance with food safety, quality, and health & safety standards. Strong cross-functional coordination with procurement, planning, logistics, and quality teams is essential to deliver consistent service to our customers

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence

• Drive production performance to meet line efficiency and service level targets (95% OTIF).
• Plan and schedule production to balance sales demand, stock availability, and capacity.
• Analyse production data, identify trends, and implement improvements.

Inventory & Stock Management

• Ensure inventory accuracy and timely availability of raw materials.
• Report and resolve variances monthly.
• Reduce both shortages and excess stock cover.

Cost & Waste Control

• Monitor and manage variances and waste across production lines.
• Optimise staff scheduling to balance efficiency and cost.
• Ensure spend is controlled against budget and financial processes are followed.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OHSA and food safety regulations (HACCP, FSSC 22000).
• Maintain full traceability across the production process.
• Lead the site in meeting audit requirements and retaining certifications.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and motivate employees to achieve high performance.
• Manage recruitment, development, and performance management for direct reports.
• Ensure accurate job descriptions, KPIs, and development plans are in place.
• Uphold discipline and foster a safe, positive, and productive work culture.

Skills and Competencies:

Functional Knowledge

• Strong understanding of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, FSSC 22000).
• ERP system experience (Syspro advantageous).
• Solid background in production and inventory control.
• Exposure to demand planning, shift handovers, and operational troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of modern manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.

Behavioural Competencies

• Takes ownership and delivers results under pressure.
• Maintains focus on quality, hygiene, and compliance.
• Calm and solutions-oriented during breakdowns, delays, or audits.
• Strong communicator and team builder with the ability to lead fairly and firmly.
• Adaptable, proactive, and focused on long-term solutions.
• High attention to detail, self-discipline, and ability to work independently.
• Computer literate with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum: Grade 12 with an NQF Level 4/National Certificate in Food Production, Operations, or Industrial Engineering.
• Preferred: National Diploma in Production Management, Food Technology, or similar (completed or in progress).
• 3-5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 1-2 years in a production management or supervisory role.

Application:

Please e-mail your CV to aneesac@naturalvinegar.co.za; with a motivation highlighting why you should be considered for the position.
Application deadline: 15 October 2025
If you have not received a response within two weeks of the closing date for applications, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Please note that you may on occasion be required to perform tasks that are not part of your normal daily duties, but may be necessary due to the operational requirements of the Company.

Preference will be given to EE candidates in line with the Company’s employment equity plan and BBBEE strategy.

NOTE:
To consider any application for employment, we will have to process your personal information. The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another’s personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that person’s personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

To give effect to the above, we are required to provide you with information regarding the processing of your personal information. This information is recorded under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the Company website at https://www.libstar.co.za/legal/.