Production Director

SUMMARY:
Location: Durban
Reports to: Managing Director
An established and national FMCG and bulk food ingredientsmanufacturer is looking for an experienced Production Director to lead its manufacturing operations.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for production performance, operational efficiency, quality, cost management and people leadership, while contributing to the broader strategic direction of the business as a member of EXCO.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Lead overall plant operations, including production, quality and fermentation processes . Develop and implement production plans to meet customer demand, quality standards, cost targets and delivery requirements. Drive operational efficiency, productivity and continuous improvement across the plant. Ensure appropriate plant capacity, equipment, raw materials, people and processes are in place to achieve production targets. Take accountability for production output, quality and manufacturing costs . Develop and manage production budgets, variable costs and operational expenditure in support of EBIT targets. Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and increase plant performance. Ensure compliance with FSSC, HACCP, ISO, safety, environmental and internal control requirements . Lead, develop and performance-manage the production team, ensuring a capable and motivated workforce. Build effective relationships with customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders. Provide regular operational reporting to EXCO and the Board . Contribute to capital investment decisions and ensure appropriate focus on ROI. Requirements Relevant degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or related field . MBA would be advantageous. Minimum 7 years' production\/manufacturing experience , including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role . Strong experience within FMCG, fermentation, bulk food ingredients or a related process-manufacturing environment . Sound understanding of production planning, quality systems, cost management and plant operations . Strong commercial and financial acumen. Proven ability to lead teams and drive productivity, quality and continuous improvement. Strategic, analytical and decisive, with strong problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills. The position requires an experienced manufacturing leader who can combine hands-on operational understanding with strategic and commercial leadership .