Fairview Cheese, a leading, well-established FMCG manufacturing business, is seeking a dynamic Assistant Production Manager to join its high-performing operations team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving operational efficiencies, supporting production performance, and optimising day-to-day manufacturing processes within a fast-paced production environment. The role requires a proactive, hands-on professional with strong production and people management capability, solid planning and coordination skills, and the ability to support smooth, efficient, and profitable operations. The Assistant Production Manager will have the responsibility in assisting the Packing Manager with regards to the following: The planning of packing teams. The planning and scheduling cheese packing, according to packing sheets. Responsibility for all cheese packaging areas. The correct packaging material and the rejection of poor quality packaging. Correct prices and sell by / best before dates that are used on packaging. Responsible that all cheeses are packed to specification. Responsible to bring every deviation or out of specification situation under the attention of the QA Manager and Cheesemakers. To release a cheese for packaging, with the consent of the cheese makers. The cleaning and housekeeping for all cheese packaging areas. Responsibility to report all equipment etc. that is not in operation and or needs maintenance. Manage and control staff under their supervision. Understands that the benefits of improved food safety performance include amongst others; saving the business money in the long term, to ensure that the products produced are safe for human consumption, ensure compliance with legal requirements, ensure continuous improvement of food quality standards, organise process to produce safe food and ensures diligence defence in court. Must be aware that the implications of not conforming to the FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM include but are not limited to the production of unsafe product, regulatory noncompliance, product delivery delays, rework, rejected product (product recalls) as well as creeping operational costs. Key Responsibilities Operational Support: Oversee daily packaging line operations, ensuring production targets are met and scheduling shifts for staff. Quality Assurance: Monitor packaging for defects and ensure compliance with industry regulations, such as FDA or environmental standards. Project Management: Assist in the development of new packaging solutions, from initial prototyping and testing to final implementation. Vendor Management: Liaise with suppliers to source materials, negotiate costs, and manage inventory levels to prevent production delays. Process Optimization: Identify inefficiencies in the packing process and recommend improvements to reduce waste and lower production costs. Team Leadership: Support the recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of the packaging team. #J-18808-Ljbffr