Production and Maintenance Manager

Founded in 1853, Lesaffre is an independent, family-owned group based in France and a leading global provider of baker’s yeast and yeast extract products. It employs over 11,000 people on five continents and markets bakery, taste improvement, health and nutrition, fermentation and brewery products and services.

Lesaffre South Africa previously known as Aries Baking Supplies and Bakelab are entities recently acquired by Lesaffre. Reporting to the General Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective management of the production and maintenance operations for both Lesaffre South Africa and Bakelab.

This role involves planning, coordinating, and optimizing the production processes, as well as managing the maintenance of equipment, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the manufacturing facilities.

Missions

• Contribute to make LESAFFRE known as a Global Key Actor in Bread-making Solutions (Yeasts, Bread-Making Ingredients, Technical Support) in the Republic of South Africa
• Ensure the efficient and uninterrupted operation of the production facilities for both Lesaffre South Africa and Bakelab by effectively managing the production processes, maintenance activities, and project coordination.
• Optimise production performance, productivity, and cost-effectiveness through the implementation of process improvements, preventive maintenance strategies, and the successful execution of capital projects.
• Maintain the safety and security of the premises by overseeing the security systems and protocols, and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to address any security-related concerns.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by analysing data, staying informed of industry trends, and providing training and development opportunities to the production and maintenance teams.

Main responsibilities

Production Management

• Develop and implement comprehensive production plans to meet sales forecasts and customer orders for both Lesaffre South Africa and Bakelab.
• Oversee the day-to-day production operations, including scheduling, task allocation, and performance management of the production teams
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, procurement, and quality, to align production activities with business objectives

Maintenance and Facility Management

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive maintenance program for all production equipment, machinery, and facilities
• Coordinate the procurement of necessary spare parts, tools, and maintenance supplies
• Manage the activities of the maintenance team, including technicians and contractors, to ensure timely and effective maintenance of equipment
• Monitor the condition of production assets and implement preventive maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and maximise asset life

Project Coordination

• Oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of various projects, including structural changes, maintenance upgrades, and the installation of new equipment (e.g., sieves, magnets)
• Ensure effective coordination between internal teams and external contractors to ensure the successful completion of projects within budget and timeline
• Provide regular updates on project status and manage any changes or deviations from the original plans

Security Management

• Oversee the maintenance and operation of security systems, including cameras, alarms, and access control
• Develop and implement security protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the production facilities, employees, and assets
• Liaise with security service providers and local authorities to address any security-related concerns or incidents

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze production and maintenance data to identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions
• Stay informed of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in production and maintenance management
• Provide training and development opportunities for the production and maintenance teams to enhance their skills and knowledge

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, or a related field
• Minimum 5 - 10 years of experience in a production or maintenance management role, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of production processes, maintenance practices, and project management principles
• Familiarity with security systems and protocols

Technical Skills

• Proficient in using production planning and scheduling software, maintenance management systems, and project management tools
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and equipment manuals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions

Personal Attributes

• Effective leadership and people management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Attention to detail and a focus on continuous improvement
• Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities and respond to dynamic business needs
• Commitment to safety and compliance in production and maintenance operations

Working Conditions

• Office-based with frequent visits to production facilities and maintenance workshops
• Some travel may be required to meet with suppliers, contractors, or customers

Line Management

• Reporting directly to the General Manager.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and effective management of the production and maintenance operations for both Lesaffre South Africa and Bakelab, contributing to the overall success of the organization.