Factory Manager

Factory Manager FMCG Snack Manufacturing

Frimax Foods

Frimax Foods is an established FMCG snack manufacturer producing potato chips, hard extruded, and soft extruded snack products for the local market. We are seeking a highly capable Factory Manager to take full operational ownership of our manufacturing facility, with accountability across production output, quality, efficiency, maintenance, and people management.

This is a senior, hands-on role suited to a manufacturing professional who understands the realities of high-volume snack production and is comfortable leading from the factory floor. The successful candidate will be expected to drive consistency, discipline, and continuous improvement across all operational areas.

Role Overview

The Factory Manager is responsible for the end-to-end performance of the factory. This includes planning and executing daily production, maintaining strict quality standards, managing raw materials and waste, leading maintenance and preventative servicing, and ensuring the factory operates safely, efficiently, and profitably.

You will work closely with senior management, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics to align production with demand, minimise losses, and improve overall manufacturing performance. This role requires strong leadership, sound technical judgment, and the ability to make decisions under pressure in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Key Responsibilities

Factory Operations & Production Management

You will oversee all daily manufacturing activities across multiple snack production lines, ensuring production targets are achieved without compromising quality or safety. This includes managing shift structures, staffing levels, line changeovers, and production sequencing.

You will be responsible for production planning and scheduling, ensuring optimal use of equipment, labour, and raw materials to meet forecasted demand. Production output, line efficiencies, yields, and downtime must be continuously monitored and reported on, with corrective action taken where performance deviates from plan.

Quality Control & Food Safety

Maintaining product quality and food safety standards is a core responsibility of this role. You will ensure that all quality control procedures are followed consistently and that products meet internal specifications and regulatory requirements.

This includes overseeing raw material standards, in-process quality checks, and finished goods compliance. You will work closely with the QA team to investigate quality deviations, implement corrective actions, and prevent repeat issues.

Maintenance & Equipment Reliability

The Factory Manager will lead and coordinate the maintenance function, ensuring machinery and production equipment are kept in optimal working condition. Preventative maintenance schedules must be implemented and adhered to in order to minimise unplanned downtime.

You will be expected to manage breakdowns effectively, prioritise repairs, and work with maintenance teams to identify recurring issues and implement long-term solutions that improve equipment reliability and throughput.

Cost Control, Efficiency & Waste Reduction

A key focus of the role is improving operational efficiency and controlling manufacturing costs. You will monitor waste levels, scrap, rework, and raw material usage, identifying root causes and driving initiatives to reduce losses.

Performance metrics such as cost per unit, yield, downtime, and labour efficiency should be tracked and analysed regularly, with continuous improvement actions implemented to enhance factory performance.

People Leadership & Discipline

You will lead, manage, and develop factory staff, including production supervisors, operators, and maintenance personnel. This includes setting clear expectations, enforcing operational discipline, and maintaining a high standard of accountability on the factory floor.

The role requires firm but fair leadership, the ability to motivate teams, and the confidence to address performance, attendance, and conduct issues decisively in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensuring a safe working environment is non-negotiable. You will be responsible for enforcing health and safety standards, conducting regular safety checks, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and internal policies.

Key Requirements
Minimum 35 years experience in FMCG snack food manufacturing, specifically within potato chips, hard extruded, or soft extruded snack production
Proven experience managing high-volume production lines in a factory environment
Strong understanding of production planning, quality control systems, and preventative maintenance
Demonstrated ability to lead factory teams, enforce standards, and drive accountability
Solid operational mindset with a focus on efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environment
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure

What We Offer

Frimax Foods offers a senior operational role with real responsibility and influence over factory performance. This position provides the opportunity to make a measurable impact on production efficiency, quality, and operational discipline within a growing FMCG business.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV to baboo@frimax.co.za or apply via LinkedIn

Occupation:

Management, human resources jobs

Job location, contacts

Location:

Durban City
KwaZulu-Natal

Company name:

Nesan Pather Digital

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