Location: Harrismith
Qualification: Degree/Diploma in Food sciences, Chemistry or Chemical/Mechanical engineering.

Experience: 3 years or more experience in similar role

Closing date: 12 May 2026
 

Position Summary

With a history spanning over 150 years, Nestlé didn’t become the world’s leading food and beverages brand by chance. Perfection is at the heart of what we do, and our people are always looking for the next big idea to cement our status. We are now looking for a Team Leader to be based in Harrismith Factory. 

In this role you will be responsible for managing designated of designated team, plant, and materials in a culture of performance monitoring, review and action, open communication, employee involvement, employee relations, continuous improvement in support of achieving organization mission and objectives. To ensure employee safety, product quality and performance while delivering on time the shift production plan.

A day in the life of a Team Leader:

• Ensure the timely deployment of the People development plan and assure the competencies of his/her team as per the agreed plan with PM (proper training inc. equipment, safety procedures, hygiene) Enforce strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) by all personnel within the shift. 
• Coach employees to fulfil and exceed the requirements of the job through NCE approach.
• Ensure that the working areas are kept clean and are maintained in working order, including all installations in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Check and enforce personnel hygiene & safety e.g., protective clothing (uniform), shoe change & hand wash.
• Ensure continuous line Controls and immediate corrective action to assure prescribed quality and to ensure compliance with manufacturing instructions.
• Ensure ongoing smooth operations of the factory through effective employee and industrial relations management.
• Ensure that there is an adequate distribution of skills to enable production plan to be achieved effectively.
• Control of Production Scheduling and Planning                                             
• Manage weekly MPS and Monthly production Plan                                                    
• Break down weekly MPS into daily shifts.                                                       
• Monitor on a daily basis any deviations from scheduling and supply and reasons for it.                        
• Analyze shop floor reports, take appropriate actions and report to plant managers daily.                  
• Plant Performance/Efficiency Management                                                  
• Analyze output/efficiency on a shift basis and take the appropriate action                               
• Ensure compliance with all output recording procedures                                          
• Make recommendations for continuous improvement of the plan and assist or make corrective action where possible.                                                                                            
• Recommend improvements to existing products or operation, raw materials and packaging used, and assist or make corrective action where possible.                                          
• Ensure TPM and NCE procedures are followed.                                                                                        
• Budget /variance control                                                       
• Assist in the calculation of budget losses.                                                       
• Organize daily/weekly cycle counting of ingredients, packaging, WIP and finished products.                                                   

What will make you successful?

• Degree/Diploma in Food sciences, Chemistry, Chemical/Mechanical engineering or Food Production Related qualification.
• 3 years or more experience in similar role.
• Experience in FMCG will add as an advantage.
• Demonstration of leadership ability by leading a project within a factory environment.
• Uncompromising on safety and quality rules and a proven ability to deliver results
• Demonstration of Leadership skills in positively confronting inappropriate behavior and using everyday coaching to ensure involvement of the workforce.