Production Manager at Ascentech Services Limited

Job Summary

• We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to oversee and manage the company's day-to-day manufacturing operations.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling production activities to ensure that products are manufactured efficiently, safely, consistently and in line with established quality standards.
• The role will oversee production personnel, raw materials, equipment, production schedules, process controls and manufacturing output, while working closely with the Quality Control, Procurement, Maintenance, Warehouse and R&D teams.
• The ideal candidate should have strong experience in food manufacturing, food ingredients, spices, seasonings, blending or related FMCG production environments.

Key Responsibilities
Production Management:

• Plan, coordinate and supervise daily production activities.
• Ensure production targets are achieved within approved timelines and budgets.
• Develop production schedules based on customer demand, inventory levels and available resources.
• Monitor production processes to ensure consistent output and product quality.
• Ensure efficient utilization of manpower, machinery, raw materials and other production resources.
• Identify production bottlenecks and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Monitor production output, efficiency, downtime and production losses.
• Ensure all production activities are properly documented.

Manufacturing Process & Quality:

• Ensure production processes are carried out according to approved SOPs and work instructions.
• Maintain consistency in the production of spices, seasonings, food blends and other manufactured products.
• Work closely with the Quality Control team to ensure products meet established specifications.
• Ensure proper control of critical production parameters such as weighing, blending, mixing, processing and packaging.
• Investigate production-related quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of raw materials and finished products.
• Minimize product contamination, wastage, rework and production losses.

Raw Material & Inventory Coordination:

• Work with Procurement and Warehouse teams to ensure the timely availability of production materials.
• Monitor raw material consumption against production requirements.
• Ensure proper weighing, issuance and utilization of raw materials.
• Investigate unusual material variances and wastage.
• Support inventory planning based on production schedules.
• Ensure proper batch identification and traceability of raw materials and finished products.

Production Team Management:

• Supervise production supervisors, operators, technicians and other production personnel.
• Allocate responsibilities and shifts according to production requirements.
• Set clear performance expectations and production targets for team members.
• Monitor attendance, productivity and adherence to production procedures.
• Train and develop production staff on operating procedures, quality requirements and safety practices.
• Promote discipline, teamwork and accountability within the production department.

Equipment & Maintenance:

• Ensure production equipment and machinery are properly operated and maintained.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance team to minimize equipment breakdown and production downtime.
• Ensure routine preventive maintenance is carried out according to schedule.
• Report equipment defects and maintenance requirements promptly.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for process or equipment improvement.
• Ensure production areas and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained.

Food Safety, GMP & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety, hygiene and manufacturing standards.
• Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) across the production floor.
• Ensure production personnel comply with hygiene and PPE requirements.
• Work with Quality Assurance to maintain HACCP and other food safety requirements.
• Ensure proper sanitation and cleaning procedures are followed.
• Support internal and external quality, food safety and regulatory audits.
• Ensure production records and documentation are complete and accurate.

Production Planning & Cost Control:

• Prepare production plans and schedules based on demand and available capacity.
• Monitor production costs and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Reduce raw material wastage, product losses, downtime and unnecessary labour costs.
• Monitor production yield and material conversion rates.
• Recommend process improvements that can increase productivity and reduce operating costs.
• Provide management with regular updates on production performance.

Product Development & R&D Support:

• Work closely with the R&D and Technical teams during product trials and scale-up activities.
• Support the transition of new products from development into commercial production.
• Ensure new formulations can be produced consistently at commercial scale.
• Provide feedback on production challenges and process requirements during product development.
• Support trials, demonstrations and production validation where required.

Health, Safety & Environmental Management:

• Ensure a safe working environment across the production facility.
• Enforce compliance with company health and safety policies.
• Ensure appropriate PPE is available and properly used.
• Identify and report production-related hazards.
• Investigate accidents and incidents and recommend preventive measures.
• Ensure proper handling of chemicals, machinery and other potentially hazardous materials.

Reporting & Performance Management:

• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly production reports.
• Monitor key production metrics and provide performance analysis to management.
• Track production volume, yield, wastage, downtime, efficiency and quality deviations.
• Maintain accurate production records and batch documentation.
• Provide recommendations for improving production capacity, efficiency and profitability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production output versus target
• Production efficiency
• Production yield
• Raw material utilization
• Reduction in production wastage
• Machine/equipment downtime
• On-time production completion
• Product quality compliance
• Batch consistency
• Production cost per unit
• Labour productivity
• GMP and food safety compliance
• Reduction in customer / product quality complaints.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or HND in Food Science & Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related field.
• 5–8 years of relevant experience in food manufacturing, FMCG, food ingredients or a related production environment.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial production role.
• Experience in spices, seasonings, food blends, sauces, dry ingredients or related food manufacturing will be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of food production processes and manufacturing principles.
• Good knowledge of GMP, HACCP, food safety and quality management systems.
• Experience managing production teams and shift-based operations.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, inventory control and process improvement.
• Ability to analyze production data and identify operational inefficiencies.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant production/inventory management systems