Production Manager

About the Role

Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) is seeking a Production Manager to lead and optimize all aspects of production within their facilities in Jeddah and Makkah. This full-time role focuses on ensuring production output is achieved in the most cost-effective and efficient way, adhering to SADAFCO’s standards and international best practices across mixing, processing, filling, and palletizing.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the approved production strategy to meet factory and business goals.
• Plan all production activities to deliver the production plan within time and budget targets.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks using problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyze production performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities, communicating these internally.
• Drive continuous improvement by facilitating and executing appropriate methodologies and leading Lean activities.
• Ensure strict adherence to company product quality rules and staff compliance.
• Manage and optimize total conversion costs within the production department.

Team Leadership and Development

• Recruit and select staff in line with company policies.
• Build team skills through assessment, training, and performance management.
• Lead the production team to foster engagement, high performance, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Manage labor availability and efficient use according to the production plan.

Health, Safety, and Quality Assurance

• Ensure safe operating practices by implementing and adhering to Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Review accident and near-miss investigation reports and corrective actions.
• Participate in safety and quality audits, documenting non-conformances and completing action plans.
• Complete and action risk assessments as per policy.
• Responsible for quality control and making necessary adjustments to meet company standards.
• Reject products outside of set specifications and implement corrective actions for first-time-right production.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology or a similar field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in a similar role.
• Experience in the dairy manufacturing industry or a similar industry.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of dairy manufacturing processes.
• Well-versed in Lean processes and problem-solving techniques.
• Proven leadership and influencing skills at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multinational teams.
• Ability to manage stress in a fast-moving environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to take on additional responsibilities.