General Manager / Operations Manager

Job Title
General Manager – Manufacturing Bakery

Reports To
Managing Director / CEO

Location
Airport Industria and Bellville South

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager to lead our manufacturing bakery. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the bakery's operations including production, quality, safety, finance, and customer service. The goal is to ensure the bakery meets its business objectives, maintains high-quality standards, and delivers exceptional service.

Working Hours
Monday to Friday – 07h00 to 18h00
Saturday – 08h00 to 14h00
Working hours may vary depending on operational demands and may include overtime, Sundays, and Public Holidays in accordance with labour legislation and company needs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the company’s vision and goals
Identify growth opportunities and areas for operational improvement

Operational Management
Oversee all bakery operations including production, maintenance, logistics, and quality control
Ensure maximum efficiency and minimal downtime

Financial Management
Manage budgets, control costs, and drive profitability
Analyse financial performance and take corrective actions where necessary

Quality and Safety
Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards including HACCP and ISO 22000
Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout the facility

Customer Service
Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring product quality and responsiveness

Supply Chain Management
Manage supplier relationships and contracts
Oversee timely procurement and delivery of raw materials and packaging

Human Resources
Lead, coach, and develop managers, supervisors, and operational teams
Foster a high-performance and team-oriented work environment

Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
Ensure compliance with all food safety and labour regulations
Work with external HR and compliance service providers where required

Requirements

Qualifications
Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience
Minimum 5 to 7 years in a manufacturing bakery or food processing environment
At least 3 years in a senior management position

Skills
Strong leadership and management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Highly analytical and capable of solving complex problems
Able to perform effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Thorough knowledge of quality control, production processes, and food safety regulations

Certifications
Certifications in HACCP, Food Safety, or Quality Management are preferred

Performance Measurement

Quantitative KPIs
Sales Growth – Measured by revenue increase over time
Profit Margin – Meeting or exceeding profitability targets
Production Efficiency – Evaluated by output relative to input of time, labour, and resources
Inventory Management – Focused on stock turnover, waste reduction, and preventing stockouts
Customer Satisfaction – Tracked through complaint rates, customer ratings, and retention

Qualitative KPIs
Leadership and Team Management – Evaluated through staff morale, engagement, and feedback
Quality Control – Assessed through product consistency and defect rates
Innovation – Measured by new product development and process improvements
Health and Safety – Monitored through incident reports and audit compliance
Community Involvement – Participation in local initiatives and brand presence in the community

Evaluation Methods
Regular performance reviews with leadership
360-degree feedback from peers, direct reports, and management
Mystery shopping assessments where applicable
Financial analysis including review of budgets, forecasts, and profit and loss reports