Packaging Manager

Recruiter

Optential Consulting (Pty) Ltd

Job Ref

PRL000578/NM

Date posted

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Location

Cape Town, South Africa

SUMMARY

Are you a detail-oriented packaging professional with a passion for innovation, quality, and operational excellence? We are seeking an experienced Packaging Manager to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of packaging solutions across our product portfolio. This role is responsible for ensuring packaging meets quality, cost, sustainability, and regulatory requirements while supporting production efficiency and enhancing the customer experience. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, a collaborative approach, and a proven track record of driving packaging excellence within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO

Position Title:Packaging Manager Deparment:Production Reports To:Factory Manager Direct Reports:Shift Leaders (Day & Night Shift), Packaging Operators, Packaging Technicians, Temporary Packaging Staff Position Purpose The Packaging Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of all packaging activities within the canning facility. This role leads two production shifts and ensures that all packaging lines consistently achieve production, quality, safety, and cost targets. The Packaging Manager serves as the technical packaging expert within the business, driving continuous improvement, equipment reliability, waste reduction, and operational excellence across the packaging department. Key Performance Areas Packaging Operations Management Manage all packaging activities across day and night shifts. Execute production plans and achieve production targets. Monitor line efficiency, throughput and downtime. Ensure effective shift handovers and communication. Team Leadership & People Management Lead, train and develop packaging teams across both shifts. Manage performance, staffing and accountability. Build a high-performance culture. Packaging Equipment & Technical Leadership Act as technical owner of packaging equipment. Perform first-line troubleshooting and root cause analysis. Support preventative maintenance and reliability initiatives. Work closely with maintenance teams to minimise downtime. Quality & Food Safety Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP and customer requirements. Investigate packaging quality issues and implement corrective actions. Maintain traceability and audit readiness. Cost & Waste Management Reduce packaging waste and improve material yields. Control labour and consumable costs. Drive continuous improvement initiatives. Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance Champion a strong safety culture. Conduct safety inspections and investigations. Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards. Continuous Improvement Improve OEE and line efficiency. Lead packaging optimisation projects. Implement best practices across both shifts Please note if you do not hear back from us within 3 weeks do consider your application unsuccesful.