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