Production Manager

Purpose of the job

Production and people management

• Implement the approved production strategy and plan production activities to meet factory goals, schedules, and budget targets.
• Identify production bottlenecks and resolve them with relevant team members using established problem-solving methods.
• Analyze production performance data, identify trends and improvement opportunities, and communicate findings using visual management standards.
• Facilitate continuous improvement, audit and monitor the operating system, and lead Lean activities.
• Enforce product quality rules and ensure staff adhere to required parameters.
• Recruit and select staff; assess skills, provide training and feedback, manage performance, and support employee development.
• Lead an engaged, high-performing production team and manage labor availability and efficient use against the production plan.

Health, safety, quality, and financial management

• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed; review accident and near-miss investigations and corrective actions.
• Participate in safety and quality audits, document non-conformances, complete audit action plans, conduct shift audits, and ensure risk assessments are completed and actioned.
• Control product quality, reject products outside specifications, and take corrective action to achieve first-time-right production.
• Manage production department conversion costs and apply continuous improvement to optimize costs.

Job requirements

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or similar education.
• At least six years of relevant experience in a similar role.
• Experience in dairy manufacturing or a similar industry.
• Well versed in Lean processes and problem-solving techniques; extensive knowledge of dairy manufacturing processes.
• Proven leadership and ability to influence at all levels.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multinational team and manage stress in a fast-moving environment.
• Self-motivated and able to take on additional responsibilities.
• Fluent written and spoken English is required; knowledge of Arabic is a plus.