Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to oversee and manage the company's day-to-day manufacturing operations.
The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling production activities to ensure that products are manufactured efficiently, safely, consistently and in line with established quality standards.
The role will oversee production personnel, raw materials, equipment, production schedules, process controls and manufacturing output, while working closely with the Quality Control, Procurement, Maintenance, Warehouse and R&D teams.
The ideal candidate should have strong experience in food manufacturing, food ingredients, spices, seasonings, blending or related FMCG production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management:

Plan, coordinate and supervise daily production activities.
Ensure production targets are achieved within approved timelines and budgets.
Develop production schedules based on customer demand, inventory levels and available resources.
Monitor production processes to ensure consistent output and product quality.
Ensure efficient utilization of manpower, machinery, raw materials and other production resources.
Identify production bottlenecks and implement appropriate corrective actions.
Monitor production output, efficiency, downtime and production losses.
Ensure all production activities are properly documented.

Manufacturing Process & Quality:

Ensure production processes are carried out according to approved SOPs and work instructions.
Maintain consistency in the production of spices, seasonings, food blends and other manufactured products.
Work closely with the Quality Control team to ensure products meet established specifications.
Ensure proper control of critical production parameters such as weighing, blending, mixing, processing and packaging.
Investigate production-related quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Ensure proper handling and storage of raw materials and finished products.
Minimize product contamination, wastage, rework and production losses.

Raw Material & Inventory Coordination:

Work with Procurement and Warehouse teams to ensure the timely availability of production materials.
Monitor raw material consumption against production requirements.
Ensure proper weighing, issuance and utilization of raw materials.
Investigate unusual material variances and wastage.
Support inventory planning based on production schedules.
Ensure proper batch identification and traceability of raw materials and finished products.

Production Team Management:

Supervise production supervisors, operators, technicians and other production personnel.
Allocate responsibilities and shifts according to production requirements.
Set clear performance expectations and production targets for team members.
Monitor attendance, productivity and adherence to production procedures.
Train and develop production staff on operating procedures, quality requirements and safety practices.
Promote discipline, teamwork and accountability within the production department.

Equipment & Maintenance:

Ensure production equipment and machinery are properly operated and maintained.
Coordinate with the Maintenance team to minimize equipment breakdown and production downtime.
Ensure routine preventive maintenance is carried out according to schedule.
Report equipment defects and maintenance requirements promptly.
Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for process or equipment improvement.
Ensure production areas and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained.

Food Safety, GMP & Compliance:

Ensure compliance with applicable food safety, hygiene and manufacturing standards.
Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) across the production floor.
Ensure production personnel comply with hygiene and PPE requirements.
Work with Quality Assurance to maintain HACCP and other food safety requirements.
Ensure proper sanitation and cleaning procedures are followed.
Support internal and external quality, food safety and regulatory audits.
Ensure production records and documentation are complete and accurate.

Production Planning & Cost Control:

Prepare production plans and schedules based on demand and available capacity.
Monitor production costs and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
Reduce raw material wastage, product losses, downtime and unnecessary labour costs.
Monitor production yield and material conversion rates.
Recommend process improvements that can increase productivity and reduce operating costs.
Provide management with regular updates on production performance.

Product Development & R&D Support:

Work closely with the R&D and Technical teams during product trials and scale-up activities.
Support the transition of new products from development into commercial production.
Ensure new formulations can be produced consistently at commercial scale.
Provide feedback on production challenges and process requirements during product development.
Support trials, demonstrations and production validation where required.

Health, Safety & Environmental Management:

Ensure a safe working environment across the production facility.
Enforce compliance with company health and safety policies.
Ensure appropriate PPE is available and properly used.
Identify and report production-related hazards.
Investigate accidents and incidents and recommend preventive measures.
Ensure proper handling of chemicals, machinery and other potentially hazardous materials.

Reporting & Performance Management:

Prepare daily, weekly and monthly production reports.
Monitor key production metrics and provide performance analysis to management.
Track production volume, yield, wastage, downtime, efficiency and quality deviations.
Maintain accurate production records and batch documentation.
Provide recommendations for improving production capacity, efficiency and profitability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or HND in Food Science & Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related field.
5 - 8 years of relevant experience in food manufacturing, FMCG, food ingredients or a related production environment.
At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial production role.
Experience in spices, seasonings, food blends, sauces, dry ingredients or related food manufacturing will be highly advantageous.
Strong understanding of food production processes and manufacturing principles.
Good knowledge of GMP, HACCP, food safety and quality management systems.
Experience managing production teams and shift-based operations.
Strong knowledge of production planning, inventory control and process improvement.
Ability to analyze production data and identify operational inefficiencies.
Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant production/inventory management systems

Production Manager At Ascentech Services Limited

Key skills