Production Manager – Chocolate Manufacturing

Role Overview

We are looking for a seasoned and performance-focused Production Manager with deep experience in chocolate manufacturing to take charge of production operations and drive efficiency, quality, and output.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day chocolate production activities and ensure smooth plant operations.
• Build and implement production plans that align with commercial goals and customer requirements.
• Raise productivity, strengthen cost control, and reduce material waste across the production cycle.
• Manage, coach, and develop production staff to support high operational standards.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including HACCP, GMP, and ISO standards.
• Track production results and introduce continuous improvement measures to enhance performance.
• Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to keep operations coordinated.
• Review operational data, prepare production reports, and monitor KPIs for informed decision-making.
• Use machinery, manpower, and production resources efficiently to maximize output.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Management, or a closely related discipline is required.

Experience

• 7 to 10 years of experience in food manufacturing operations.
• At least 3 years spent in a managerial role.
• Direct, hands-on experience in chocolate manufacturing is essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Team leadership and workforce management
• Production planning and operational control
• Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, and food safety practices
• Process improvement and waste reduction
• Reporting, KPI tracking, and data analysis

Preferred Background

Experience with chocolate processing activities such as tempering, moulding, enrobing, filling, and packaging is considered a strong advantage.