SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Mill Manager | Free State - Henneman | Permanent
Drive operational excellence in a high-performance milling environment where efficiency, quality, and leadership directly influence business success. This is an opportunity for an experienced production leader to take ownership of plant performance, continuous improvement, and team capability within a large-scale manufacturing operation.
A well-established milling operation is seeking a commercially minded and technically strong Mill Manager to oversee production performance, plant availability, cost management, inventory control, quality assurance, and operational compliance. The successful incumbent will play a critical role in ensuring that manufacturing efficiencies are achieved while maintaining product quality, safety standards, and production continuity.
This role requires a hands-on operational leader who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution. You will manage plant performance against production targets, lead maintenance and capital improvement initiatives, optimise stock and working capital, and ensure compliance with food safety and legislative requirements. The environment is fast-paced, highly technical, and demands strong decision-making capability under pressure.
Our client is a respected player within the food manufacturing and milling sector, operating a sophisticated production environment focused on operational excellence, product consistency, and sustainable growth. The business is committed to continuous improvement, high safety standards, and long-term investment in people and infrastructure.
What You’ll Do
• Manage overall mill production efficiencies and plant performance
• Drive operational improvements to maximise extraction rates and reduce downtime
• Oversee maintenance planning, CAPEX projects, and critical spares management
• Lead inventory control across raw materials, consumables, and finished goods
• Manage production budgets, expenditure, and cost-saving initiatives
• Ensure compliance with food safety, ISO, HACCP, and legislative standards
• Monitor statistical process control and maintain product quality consistency
• Lead safety, environmental, and risk management initiatives across the operation
• Develop and mentor production teams while driving accountability and performance
• Coordinate production schedules to meet customer demand and business targets
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives and operational best practices
What You Bring
• Qualified Wheat or Maize Miller with GMF Trade Test
• Approximately 5 years’ production experience, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
• Strong understanding of milling operations, maintenance, and manufacturing processes
• Experience managing plant efficiencies, downtime reduction, and production targets
• Knowledge of stock control, inventory management, and production budgeting
• Exposure to food safety systems including ISO 22000 and HACCP
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capability
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to manage complex operational environments and high-pressure situations
• Proficiency in operational reporting and office software systems
What Success Looks Like
• Milling efficiencies consistently achieved within target specifications
• Plant availability and uptime maintained at optimal levels
• Production costs controlled within approved budgets
• Downtime minimised and operational interruptions reduced
• Quality standards consistently achieved with reduced customer complaints
• Strong team performance, engagement, and succession capability
• Safety targets achieved with high compliance ratings
• Continuous improvement initiatives delivering measurable business value
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