Production Manager – Beverage and Plastics/Packaging Plant at CDL Human Resource

Job Purpose

• The Production Manager will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across production, maintenance, engineering, utilities and technical operations within a high-volume beverage and plastics manufacturing environment. The role will be responsible for maximizing production efficiency, equipment reliability, product quality, cost control and team performance.
• This is a senior, hands-on, floor-present leadership role demanding deep technical mastery of automated Krones filling lines, PET preform and cap moulding operations, and the full spectrum of mechanical, electrical, automation, and quality systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end production operations, including production planning, scheduling, line performance, material availability and production targets.
• Drive production efficiency, equipment availability and waste reduction, targeting high operational performance and minimal unplanned downtime.
• Oversee PET beverage production and plastics manufacturing, including preform and closure production.
• Lead maintenance and engineering activities, ensuring preventive and predictive maintenance programs are effectively implemented.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, automation, pneumatic and production equipment issues.
• Monitor production KPIs including efficiency, downtime, yield, wastage, quality and production plan adherence.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, occupational health and safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Manage production materials and inventory to minimize stock-outs, wastage and excess inventory.
• Drive cost reduction, continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives across the plant.
• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary production and technical team, promoting accountability, skills development and a strong safety culture.
• Support new product development, equipment commissioning, plant expansion and process improvement projects.
• Prepare and review production, maintenance and operational performance reports for senior management.

Qualifications & Experience​​​​​​​

Education & Background

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or closely related field).
• An MBA or specialisation in Supply Chain / Operations Management is a significant advantage.

Experience Required

• 12-15+ years of total manufacturing experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior production leadership role in a Beverage and Plastics/Packaging plant.
• Hands-on, proven experience operating and troubleshooting Krones filling and packaging lines (Contiform, Modulfill, Checkmat, Linajet, or equivalent).
• Direct operational experience on KraussMaffei and/or Netstal injection moulding machines for PET preforms and closures.
• Strong working knowledge of Nitrogen-based Hot Fill PET juice processing - dissolved oxygen control, fill temperature, nitrogen dosing, and vacuum integrity.
• Advanced proficiency in SAP (PP, MM, PM modules) and production data analytics within an ERP/MES-driven plant environment.

Benefits: 

• Accommodation | Transport | Medical | Telecom | Work Permit | 28 days leave with airfare (once in 2 years). Family accommodation after 1 year subject to satisfactory performance.