Operations and Technical Manager: Feedmill

Job Description:

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Operations and Technical Manager: Feedmill within the Agriculture Division. The successful incumbent will manage the combined engineering, production, stock control, cost, logistics and operational performance functions of the feedmill, with a strong focus on safe operations, plant reliability, efficiency and consistent feed supply. This position reports to the Group Feedmill Manager. The successful incumbent should have 3 years middle management experience in a Feedmill, FMCG or similar manufacturing operation, 5 years management experience and a B Engineering degree, preferably in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. A GCC for Factories will be considered advantageous.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting preventative maintenance.
• Ensure safe and compliant operation of the Feedmill, including plant, machinery, utilities and production processes.
• Manage production planning and execution to ensure uninterrupted feed supply and that no birds are left without feed.
• Take accountability for production, engineering, quality, stock control, logistics, cost control and operational KPI performance.
• Maintain effective raw material, finished feed and spares stock control, including availability, accuracy, usage and reconciliation.
• Improve preventative maintenance, equipment uptime, plant reliability, feed quality standards and operating efficiencies.
• Lead, develop and hold the production and engineering teams accountable for safety, quality, productivity and continuous improvement.
• Initiate and execute capital projects and plant improvements.
• Review daily production to determine plant efficiencies and targets.
• Continually improve processes by having a good understanding of engineering as well as production requirements.
• Developing and manage maintenance strategies.

Qualifications:

• Proven exposure to both engineering and operations management, including maintenance, production planning, utilities, stock control, logistics and cost performance.
• Strong technical fault-finding ability, with sound understanding of plant reliability, equipment uptime, OHS requirements and safe systems of work.
• Ability to analyse production, engineering, stock and cost information, take corrective action and drive continuous improvement.
• Effective people leadership skills, with the ability to manage, motivate and hold a multi-disciplinary team accountable under pressure.

Closing Date: 31 July 2026

As Sovereign is an equal opportunity employer, preference will be given to applicants of designated groups, as defined by the Employment Equity Act.