Factory Operations Manager - Johannesburg
Hands-On Production & Repacking
About the Role
We are an established contract packing and product rework company, providing co-packing, repacking, packaging design, labelling, batch coding and product rectification services to major FMCG and beverage manufacturers. Our factory is a fast-moving, labour-intensive environment where every project can bring a new production challenge.
We are seeking a highly autonomous and proactive Factory Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations at our Johannesburg facility. You will work independently on site as the sole custodian of daily operations, and give the executive management team a comprehensive update during their weekly site visits.
This is a hands-on role for someone who leads people, sets up machines and solves problems on the factory floor, not someone who supervises from an office.
Key Responsibilities
- Hit repacking targets: Plan and manage the daily schedule so that packing volumes, quality standards and customer deadlines are consistently met.
- Control production costs: Minimise waste of materials and consumables (boxes, tape, wrap, glue sticks) and optimise efficiency to keep cost per unit within budget.
- Manage wage and labour expenses: Match staffing hours to daily volumes, eliminate unnecessary overtime and keep total labour spend within weekly budget caps.
- Run the facility: Take full responsibility for daily opening and closing, site security, inventory tracking and on-the-spot problem-solving, without daily supervision.
- Lead the production team: Allocate labour, supervise staff, maintain discipline and manage attendance.
- Keep equipment running: Set up, adjust and troubleshoot labelling machines, date coders, conveyors and packaging equipment, and coordinate maintenance to minimise downtime.
- Solve unusual jobs: Develop practical packing methods for non-standard repacking and rework projects.
- Guarantee accuracy and quality: Ensure correct batch coding, product identification, packing and quality control on every job.
- Maintain a safe, organised factory: Uphold health, safety and housekeeping standards at all times.
- Report to management weekly: Host the executive team's weekly site visit and present clear data on units repacked, wage metrics, job profitability and budget variances.
- Liaise with customers: Communicate with customers on production requirements and progress.
Minimum Requirements
- Matric; a technical or production-related qualification is an advantage.
- At least 8 years' hands-on experience in manufacturing, packaging, assembly or FMCG production.
- At least 3 years' experience managing production teams.
- Proven ability to run a site independently and take full ownership of results.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on machine-setting experience.
- Experience managing labour-intensive production operations.
- Sound understanding of productivity, production costing and labour utilisation.
- Strong planning, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Working knowledge of production reporting and Microsoft Excel.
- Availability for occasional late shifts or weekends when operationally required, with appropriate safety arrangements.
- Valid driver's licence and reliable transport.
Preferred Experience
- Contract packing, product rework, packaging conversion or FMCG production.
- Industrial labelling, batch coding and date coding machinery.
- Designing packing methods, jigs, fixtures or modifications to production equipment.
- Managing variable job volumes and fast-changing customer requirements.
The Person We're Looking For
Self-driven, practical and decisive. You are mechanically minded and resourceful, think laterally, and take ownership without waiting to be told. You lead from the factory floor, motivate your team, and stay focused on output, quality, cost control and profitability, while keeping management informed with accurate, honest numbers.
Remuneration and Employment
R35,000 – R45,000 gross per month, negotiable according to relevant experience and technical competence.
Permanent, full-time position. Salary basis and any additional benefits will be confirmed during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Submit a detailed CV outlining your production management experience, technical capabilities and machinery experience, together with your current remuneration and salary expectations.
Email: info@coalitiongroup.co.za
Reference: Factory Operations Manager – Johannesburg
Closing date: 20 November 2026
Please note: Only apply if you meet the minimum requirements listed above. Applications that do not meet these fundamentals will not be considered.
Pay: R35 000,00 - R45 000,00 per month
Application Question(s):
- Availability for occasional late shifts or weekends when operationally required?
Experience:
- managing production teams: 3 years (Required)
- manufacturing, packaging, assembly or FMCG production: 8 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Drivers licence (Required)
Work Location: In person
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