Company: Nestle

Location: Harrismith

Position Title: Factory Manager 

Qualification: Degree in Engineering or related field with a Master degree preferred (Chemical, Food, Industrial or similar).

Experience: At least 10 years of operations (quality assurance, maintenance, production) management experience

Closing date: 22 May 2025

Position Summary

Responsible to  lead the facility to serve our customers, prevent incidents, reduce costs, improve efficiencies, support capital projects, and add value to the local community . This is typically documented in the Operational Master plan which the Factory Manager would assist in developing.  Factory team activities are expected to achieve all output targets in terms of quantity, quality, efficiency and unit costs in accordance with company safety, health, environment, labour, maintenance, quality and hygiene Company policies, standards, guidelines and relevant legislation.

A Day in the life of a Factory Manager

• (1) Audits (local, international; external or internal); (2) Internal Assessments (NSAT); (3) Factory Scorecard KPI's

Organize all production operations to ensure that output and quality targets are achieved and that all relevant health, safety, environmental and hygiene standards are observed.

• (1) Conversion Cost / (2) Materials cost Variance

Monitor and control the factory budget to ensure that all financial and business objectives are met.

• (1) Implementation of continuous improvement tools guided by the Nestle framework including the use of TPM (Total Performance Management); (2) Factory Scorecard KPI's

Assure the full implementation of the Nestlé Continues Excellence (NCE) initiative in accordance to the plan agreed with Malley and Region Management. Drive continuous improvement mentality and employee engagement by empowering managers and employees to utilize NCE  tools.

• (1) Nestle performance review evaluation, career management  and succession plan delivered on time and with the quality expected; (2) Nestle Employees Survey

Ensure the proper selection, training, development and motivation of the management and the staff in order to maximize current and future performance. Ensure that all other managers within the factory provide the same development for their staff. Responsible to create an environment where all employees are engaged and developed to reach their full potential in meeting department/business goals

• (1) Budget,  Long Term Plan and  Capex proposals delivered on time, complete and with the quality expected

Develop and implement short- and long-term plans to ensure that the factory has the necessary resources to achieve business objectives.

• (1) Labour grievances;  (2) Nestle Employees Survey; (3) NCE: Labour Compliance & LD Assessment

In accordance with the Employee Relations Policy and CPW Code of Conduct, develop effective working relationships with all employees and/or employees' representatives to ensure the development/maintenance of and effective working environment within the factory. Establish and sustain effective relationships in and out the site in order to foster an environment where effective collaboration and cooperation are used to solve problems

• (1) Relevance for the business in terms of mutual support & collaboration, company image & reputation.

Develop and maintain good working relationships with customers, suppliers, local authorities and partner companies in order to build a strong network that helps the factory to get the necessary resources and/or support from relevant stakeholders.

What will make you successful?

• Degree in Engineering or related field with a Master degree preferred (Chemical, Food, Industrial or similar).
• At least 10 years of operations (quality assurance, maintenance, production) management experience.
• Deep knowledge of all aspects of the cereal breakfast production and packaging processes.
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing individuals and/or teams to deliver business results.
• Project Management Experience (desirable in the field of continuous improvement).
• Experience in managing employee relations /negotiations.
•  Experience and knowledge of industry compliance requirements.
• Leading and implementing change.
• Experience in implementing new lines and technologies.