Factory Controller

SUMMARY:
Our client in George, in the Chemical/Hygiene industry is seeking a Factory Controller.

POSITION INFO:
Overview of Job Requirements

Production Management

• Oversee and supervise manufacturing operations to align with production schedules and quality standards.
• Manage product batch preparation, manufacturing, sampling, testing, adjustment, packing, and labelling in accordance with SOPs and Manufacturing Orders (MOs).
• Conduct product sampling, testing and adjust where necessary.
• Ensure effective inventory management, focusing on FIFO, shelf-life, proper labelling, traceability, and hazardous materials handling.
• Implement process improvements to optimise productivity and efficiency.
• Investigate production issues and manage incident reports, ensuring corrective actions are taken.
• Supervise staff, subcontractors, and vendors in daily operations.
• Ensure that blending operations are conducted safely and that all operators are medically cleared and trained.
• Maintain plant equipment and facilities, ensuring all resources are in good working order and PPE compliance is upheld.
• Track returnable raw material packaging by supplier.
• Production Planning & Coordination
• Perform weekly stock takes of finished goods and develop a 4-week production plan and Materials Requirement Plan (MRP).
• Coordinate the handling and storage of raw and packaging materials after receipt and approval.
• Allocate human resources to ensure optimal productivity.
• Identify and implement opportunities for production improvements.
  
  Procurement & Finance Management
• Oversee raw material procurement, supplier relations, price negotiations, and contract management where necessary.
• Monitor stock levels and place orders for raw materials, packaging, and spare parts.
• Manage production records in systems like Pastel, ensuring accurate data entry for stock and materials usage.
• Generate Purchase Orders (PO) and receive supplier invoices for raw and packaging materials.
• Capture finished goods into the system
• Utilise sales figures and generate weekly production plan, know Materials Requirement Plan (MRP)
• Control stock, report on losses, manage slow-moving inventory, and ensure timely updates to relevant systems.
• Keep financial oversight, ensuring alignment with production targets and budgets.
  
  Health, Safety & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety regulations and company standards.
• Promote a Zero Tolerance culture for PPE adherence and maintain safety protocols.
• Conduct daily warehouse inspections for potential risks or safety hazards.
• Report all incidents, accidents, or near misses promptly to management.
• Ensure staff have the appropriate training and certifications for handling hazardous materials and machinery.
• Maintain and update HSE files, ensuring records of inspections, incidents, and compliance are accurate.
• Management of effluent treatment processes – testing, treatment and release of factory effluent.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with bodies like SABS and NRCS.
• Act as the company representative during audits and liaise with regulatory bodies.
• Maintaining of Quality Management System (QMS) and associated documentation.
• Planning and conducting internal audits where necessary.
  
  Quality Control & Laboratory
• Oversee the testing and approval of raw materials, in-progress work, and finished products.
• Maintain Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and manage retention samples.
• Assist with product development and non-conformance investigations.
• Ensure all laboratory and factory equipment is calibrated, serviced, and maintained.
• Purchasing of laboratory chemicals and consumables where necessary.
  
  
• Administrative & Reporting
• Prepare and present reports on production performance metrics and project statuses.
• Attend departmental meetings and contribute to discussions.
  
  Human Resources Management
• Assist HR in preparing/maintaining job descriptions for all direct reports where required.
• Ensure effective and regular meetings are held with direct reporting staff.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure disciplinary standards are upheld.
• Ensure staff are trained, maintain company image, and present professionally.
• Supervise and manage the performance of approximately five production staff members, providing ongoing training and development.
• Manage time and attendance.
• Ensure staff medicals are completed and update to date at all times.
• Ensure all staff presents in a neat and professional manner with Company Branded Clothing and PPE.

• Matric certificate, preferably with a post-matric qualification in production management or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience in a production management role within the chemical industry is essential.
• Strong knowledge of production concepts, health and safety regulations, and manufacturing processes.
• A dynamic individual who can effectively balance management with hands-on administrative responsibilities.
• Understanding of manufacturing and procurement / supply chain processes.
• Basic financial understanding will be advantageous.
• Competent in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making.
• Understanding of ISO and other systems.
• Attended to various production/quality audits.
• Valid Driver’s License and own reliable transport.

• Intermediate to advance Excel skills will be beneficial to this position.
• Exposure to Pastel / Syspro will be added advantageous.