Production Manager - Bakery & Confectionery (8-12 yrs)

Job Title: Production Manager - Bakery & Confectionery

Location: Congo

Industry: Food Processing / Bakery Manufacturing

Reports To: Plant Head / Operations Director

Job Summary

We seek an experienced Production Manager to lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for our bakery unit in Congo. The ideal candidate will specialize in high-volume production of cakes, pastries, bread, pav, buns, cookies, loaf, croissants, cream rolls, and toasts/khari. You will ensure efficiency, quality, safety, and compliance while driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Oversight:

- Manage end-to-end manufacturing processes for all product categories (cakes, pastries, bread, pav, buns, cookies, loaf, croissants, cream rolls, toasts/khari).

- Optimize production schedules to meet targets, minimize waste, and ensure OTIF (On-Time-In-Full) delivery.

- Implement standardized processes (SOPs) and monitor KPIs (OEE, yield, downtime).

Quality & Compliance:

- Enforce strict adherence to food safety standards (HACCP, FSSC 22000, GMP).

- Conduct quality audits, address deviations, and ensure compliance with local/international regulations.

- Manage shelf-life optimization and product consistency.

Team Leadership:

- Lead, train, and mentor production supervisors, line leaders, and operators.

- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Process & Cost Optimization:

- Drive initiatives to reduce production costs (labor, energy, raw materials) without compromising quality.

- Troubleshoot equipment issues and collaborate with maintenance for preventive upkeep.

New Product Integration:

- Support R&D in scaling new products from trial to commercial production.

Essential Requirements

Experience:

- 810 years in production management within food processing/bakery manufacturing.

- Current role as Production Manager/Head handling end-to-end operations (raw material to packaging).

- Proven expertise in high-speed bakery lines (automated ovens, moulders, depositors, packaging).

Technical Skills:

- Mastery of manufacturing processes for:

- Cakes, Pastries, Bread, Pav, Buns, Cookies, Loaf, Croissants, Cream Rolls, Toasts/Khari.

- Strong knowledge of dough processing, fermentation, baking parameters, and packaging tech.

- Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.

Qualifications:

- Engineering degree (Food Tech, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering mandatory).

- Certifications in food safety (HACCP, FSMS) preferred.

Soft Skills:

- Leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making in high-pressure environments.

- Fluency in English (French/Lingala highly advantageous for Congo operations).

- Adaptability to emerging markets and cross-functional collaboration.

Why Join Us?

- Lead a critical production facility in a dynamic market.

- Competitive salary + expatriate benefits (housing, relocation, insurance).

- Opportunity to innovate in a scaling business with global standards.