Production Manager - Cape Town, South Africa

Production Manager

Cape Town, South Africa

AgroFresh is a fast-moving, dynamic company dedicated to delivering integrated near- and post-harvest solutions for more freshness and quality, every step of the way from harvest to home. From next-gen digital monitoring and analytics and plant-based coatings to integrated fungicide solutions and SO2 generating sheets for more intelligent packaging, you can count on us for a full suite of near- and post-harvest solutions that help enhance quality and extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables.

When you work at AgroFresh, you work with the leading experts in near- and post-harvest technologies to proactively solve the most pressing challenges. Imagine a world where the produce supply chain has more time every step of the way. Where products get to consumers exactly as the grower intended. Where food loss is minimized, sustainability maximized, and business empowered. This is the world of Smarter Freshness.

What the Role Delivers

The Production Manager is accountable for safe, reliable and cost-effective production that meets agreed quality standards and customer delivery requirements.

The role leads production across shifts, ensuring that people, materials, equipment and processes are effectively coordinated. It combines technical problem-solving with strong people leadership to improve productivity, reduce waste and downtime, and build consistent operating standards.

The Production Manager reports to Site Director and works closely with Maintenance, Quality, EHS, Supply Chain, R&D and Human Capital.

Key Responsibilities

In order of relative importance

• Lead safe production operations. Ensure that safety requirements, operating procedures and housekeeping standards are consistently applied across shifts. Address unsafe practices promptly and ensure corrective actions from incidents are implemented.
• Deliver production commitments. Translate demand requirements into achievable production plans. Coordinate labour, materials and equipment to meet agreed output, quality and delivery targets, and resolve constraints before they affect performance.
• Improve manufacturing performance. Analyse production losses, identify root causes and implement sustainable improvements in throughput, equipment utilisation, material yield, changeover times and waste.
• Develop and lead the production team. Set clear expectations for supervisors and employees. Build capability through coaching, training and performance management, and address attendance, conduct and performance concerns consistently with Human Capital support.
• Strengthen equipment reliability. Partner with Maintenance to prioritise recurring equipment problems, coordinate planned maintenance and improve operating practices that affect equipment performance and availability.
• Maintain product quality and process control. Work with Quality to ensure production meets specifications and applicable standards. Investigate deviations, reduce rejects and rework, and ensure corrective actions are effective.
• Control production costs and resources. Manage production expenditure within approved budgets. Monitor labour utilisation, overtime, material consumption and stock variances, and implement practical cost improvements.
• Use data to drive accountability. Ensure accurate production records and timely reporting. Review performance against agreed measures, communicate risks and recovery plans, and follow through on actions.
• Support manufacturing development. Contribute to capacity planning, equipment upgrades and capital investment proposals. Coordinate production support for product trials and the introduction of new processes.

Who to Work With

Primary internal and external stakeholders

• Site leadership
• Production supervisors, shift leaders and operators
• Maintenance and Engineering
• Quality and EHS
• Supply Chain, Procurement and Warehouse
• Research and Development
• Human Capital and Finance
• Equipment suppliers and technical service providers, as required

How We Work

AgroFresh core competencies

• Accountability for Results
• Mindset for Growth
• Customer Centricity
• One AgroFresh

What the Job Requires

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline advantagous.
• At least seven years’ experience in manufacturing, including at least three years managing production teams in a shift-based environment.
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment performance and production planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity and cost.
• Experience using production data, ERP systems and Microsoft Excel to manage performance.

What to Have Done and Know How to Do

These skills and experiences are highly desirable; however, they do not preclude exceptions based on an individual’s performance history and demonstrated potential.

• Experience in coating, laminating, converting, packaging or a comparable manufacturing environment.
• A record of reducing downtime, waste or production costs through structured problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading supervisors and employees in a unionised manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret technical and operational information and turn findings into practical actions.
• Experience managing budgets, labour requirements and competing production priorities.
• Familiarity with SAP and manufacturing performance measures such as overall equipment effectiveness, yield and schedule adherence.
• Experience supporting equipment upgrades, process changes or capital projects.
• Clear communication, sound judgement and the ability to maintain standards under pressure.
• A visible and approachable leadership style, with consistent follow-through and accountability.

Why Work Here

We work every day to improve the quantity and quality of fresh produce and reduce food waste.

We have a rich history and are known for our quality products. We bring an enterprising spirit to solving problems and focus on the Critical Few priorities that matter to our customers and our business.

We are growing and transforming, with opportunities to contribute, develop your capabilities and advance your career.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages.

Local Details

This position is based on site in Cape Town and supports a manufacturing operation running across shifts. Flexibility is required to engage with teams across shifts and respond to operational needs.