Production & Operations Manager
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations
Plan and manage daily production schedules to meet customer orders and deadlines.
Ensure efficient utilization of processing equipment (injectors, tumblers, forming lines, smoking/cooking ovens, slicers, grinders, portioning lines).
Monitor yield performance and implement corrective actions to minimize losses.
Collaborate with Planning and Sales to align production capacity and demand forecasts.
Product Development & R&D
Lead development of new poultry value-added products (marinated, smoked, breaded, formed, cooked, ready-to-eat).
Conduct trials for new recipes, processes, spices, ingredients, packaging formats.
Optimize existing recipes to improve yield, shelf life, quality, cost, and consistency.
Work closely with QA and Sales to understand market trends, customer feedback, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee technical documentation—specifications, process flows, ingredient declarations, allergen statements, nutritional information.
Validate new equipment, technologies, or processes related to new product introduction.
Plan and execute pilot trials for new products on the production line.
Coordinate product roll-out teams (QA, Production, Sales, Procurement) for a smooth rollout.
Set production parameters, yields, cooking curves, marination percentages, and process controls for new products.
Conduct sensory evaluations and refine formulations on new prototypes and commercial batches.
Ensure scale-up from pilot to commercial production is efficient and cost-effective.
People Management
Supervise production supervisors, machine operators, and R&D technicians.
Develop training programs on hygiene, safety, new technologies, and new product procedures.
Handle performance reviews and manage staff discipline, attendance, and competency development.
Cost & Efficiency
Control usage of raw materials, ingredients, spices, and packaging to minimize wastage.
Monitor KPIs such as yield, throughput, labour efficiency, OEE, and cost per kg produced.
Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, root-cause analysis).
Equipment & Maintenance
Work with Maintenance to schedule preventive maintenance and ensure equipment reliability.
Troubleshoot breakdowns and support maintenance teams to reduce downtime.
Recommend new equipment or upgrades to support product innovation and increased capacity.
Compliance & Reporting
Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.
Prepare daily/weekly/monthly production and development reports.
Maintain updated documentation for audits, certification bodies, and export requirements.
Support customer visits, regulatory inspections, and certification renewals.
Qualification, Experience and Competencies
Degree/Diploma in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Technology, Production Management, or related field.
Strong understanding of marination, injection technology, tumbling, forming, smoking/cooking processes, freezing, and packaging.
5+ years hands-on experience with R&D, formulation, and pilot/industrial trials.
Familiarity with HACCP, FSSC, GMP, and food safety standards.
Strong project management, leadership, and analytical/problem-solving skills.
Key Skills & Attributes
Creative and technical mindset for product innovation.
Strong communication and cross-functional coordination capability.
Ability to balance quality, cost, and operational feasibility.
Strong attention to detail and understanding of market trends.
Data-driven approach, with strong sensory analysis and yield optimization skills.
Send your CV & Cover letter to
employment@interchick.co.tz
DEADLINE
20TH NOVEMBER 2025
