Production Supervisor

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Minimum 1–2 years’ supervisory experience
• Supervisory Certificate or Supervisory Skills Programme (advantageous)
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a production, manufacturing, or processing environment, ideally within a cold-production setting

Key Outputs & Accountabilities

• Manage and improve production processes to maximise efficiency and enhance product quality.
• Organise and prioritise production needs while identifying issues or bottlenecks.
• Maintain order in the chillers, ensuring correct temperature levels and adequate ice. Report any refrigeration malfunctions to management.
• Ensure excellent housekeeping across the facility and prevent exposure of waste or by-products.
• Apply FIFO principles consistently within grading and processing lines.
• Oversee efficient operation of the grading machine and/or defrosting to ensure adequate raw material availability.
• Configure and control the grading machine at a basic operational level.
• Ensure careful and speedy handling of products at all process stages to meet grading and production standards.
• Ensure correct labelling of graded raw materials with accurate size, dates, vessel name, and batch number. Maintain proper raw-material stock control.
• Allocate the correct number of personnel to each processing area or line as per production manager instructions.
• Ensure accurate scanning of inputs and availability of raw material and tools for filleters, while supervising employee movement on processing lines.
• Maintain input and yield figures within set targets and supervise hourly production performance.
• Coach, train, and support new employees.
• Ensure final products are packed according to grade, quality, customer standards, and weight requirements, with excellent presentation.
• Oversee accurate labelling of final products, including product name, grade, dates, batch numbers, and expiry information.
• Ensure use of correct packaging for all products.
• Supervise the entire freezing process, from packing into pans to off-packing, ensuring products freeze correctly to -18°C or below.
• Maintain product temperature below -18°C during off-packing and strapping.
• Minimise waste by reusing underweights, preventing box damage, and ensuring immediate repacking where necessary.
• Track staff attendance and time-keeping; apply discipline in line with correct procedures.
• Maintain a safe working environment and eliminate hazards. Conduct accident investigations when required.
• Supervise factory cleaning when needed, ensuring that processing lines remain food-safe and fully operational.
• Address employee concerns, resolve problems, and suggest cost-saving measures.
• Ensure all processing documentation is completed and filed after each shift.
• Use Innova to access production information and compile daily reports; complete all processing information using MS Excel.

Competencies, Knowledge & Skills

• Clear and precise communication skills
• Strong staff-management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build trust and strong team relationships
• Solid mathematical ability for interpreting KPIs (input, yield, hourly production, etc.)
• Knowledge of HACCP and food-safety standards
• Understanding of production processes and efficiency best practices
• Familiarity with relevant food-industry legislation
• Knowledge of labour legislation (BCEA & LRA)
• Strong people-management and conflict-management skills
• Analytical thinking and advanced problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail and strong time-management skills
• Basic knowledge of quality, health, and safety standards
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain strong working relationships across departments
• Ability to perform under pressure in a cold, fast-paced production environment
• Comfortable with prolonged standing and working in cold, wet conditions
• Willingness to work shifts