Production Manager

Overall Description:

• Oversee and manage the smooth execution of all operational activities in the Central Kitchen (production) and ensuring alignment with the company's overall business objectives.
• Establish goals and performance targets for the production facility, clearly defining key tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
• Foster effective and continuous communication between Management and the Central Kitchen team, proactively addressing any legitimate issues or concerns.

Responsibilities:

Production Operations

• Monitor production progress to ensure timelines are met and take corrective action in the event of significant deviations.
• Oversee daily Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food production processes, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Manage production schedules, labour allocation, and equipment utilization to meet output targets and minimize downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize efficiency.
• Ensure effective stewarding operations, including the maintenance of cleanliness for all cooking equipment and kitchen areas.
• Review food preparation methods to ensure consistent product quality and strict adherence to SOPs at every stage—from material receipt to processing, preparation, and cooking.
• Handle and resolve customer complaints related to food production products in a timely and effective manner.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate new or replacement food processing equipment, utensils, and other hardware for use in the manufacturing facility.
• Regularly assess staff performance within the manufacturing facility and provide recommendations for confirmation, promotion, and annual appraisals.
• Review and advise on manpower and resource allocation to ensure effective and efficient use.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate food and non-food products for use in the manufacturing facility.

Logistics Management

• Coordinate outbound logistics including delivery scheduling, and on-time delivery to customers.
• Collaborate with drivers to ensure efficient transportation of production batches.
• Management of batch tracking and expiry dates of perishable products.
• Assign delivery batches for delivery in FEFO (First Expired, First Out) inventory management manner.
• Oversee daily logistics and driver operations to ensure smooth deliveries.
• Recruit and select suitable staffing for manufacturing facility.
• Identify training needs and recommend training for staff development.
• Foster team morale through motivation, handling employee grievances, conflict resolution, counselling, and disciplinary action when necessary.

Warehouse Management

• Oversee inventory management for raw materials and finished goods across all storage facilities.
• Ensure FIFO practices, inventory accuracy, and safe material handling procedures.
• Lead cycle counting and physical inventory activities to minimize shrink and stockouts.
• Maintain inventory cost and proper documentation to minimize wastage
• Plan and organize storage ergonomically to reduce space wastage and support FIFO/FEFO systems.
• Supervise end-to-end inventory movement—from requisition and storage to on-time delivery to customer.

Compliance to Quality and Standards

• Ensure compliance with food safety audits, certifications, and internal quality assurance audits
• Ensure product quality and quantity align with business requirements
• Attends, investigates and resolves any Production-related issues effectively and efficiently
• Monitor machinery maintenance schedule to ensure continued reliability and efficiency
• Establish and maintain the FSSC 22000 manual for the manufacturing facility.
• Enforce hygiene, health, and safety regulations in compliance with MOM, NEA, SFA, and FSSC 22000 standards.

Operations Support

• Oversee manpower planning and scheduling for production operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure production readiness and responsiveness.
• Develop and implement SOPs and training programs to support operations.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs by production staff and handle related disciplinary matters.
• Any other appropriate duties and responsibilities as assigned by superior or Senior Management.

Job Requirements

• Min Diploma with at least 5 years of experience in food manufacturing and in similar capacity
• Well versed in FSSC 22000, ISO22000 or HACCP and Halal Certification
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and familiar with inventory systems
• Self-driven, matured and open-minded
• 6-day work week