Company: RCL Foods
Location: Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Type: Permanent
Industry: Food & Beverage / Manufacturing / Baking / FMCG
Experience Level: Senior Management (5+ Years)
Business Unit: Sunbake Division
Department: General Management
Closing Date: 27 October 2025
Date Posted: 17 October 2025
Reference Number: RCL251017-1
Reporting To: Executive Management / Board
Number of Positions: 1
About RCL Foods
RCL Foods is one of South Africa’s leading food and beverage companies, renowned for its commitment to delivering high-quality products and innovative solutions across the baking, poultry, and FMCG sectors. The company operates with a focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, making it a preferred employer for professionals in manufacturing and food production.
The Sunbake Division, a key RCL Foods brand, specializes in producing premium bread products for retail, general trade, and catering channels. With a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and innovation, Sunbake continues to expand its market presence across South Africa.
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Position Overview
RCL Foods is seeking a highly skilled and experienced General Manager to lead the Sunbake Division in Benoni, Gauteng. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all operational, financial, and strategic aspects of the business to ensure profitability, brand growth, and customer satisfaction.
This role requires a hands-on leader with extensive experience in baking operations, production management, and FMCG sales, capable of driving high-performance teams while implementing the company’s strategic plan. Extensive travel is a key feature of this position.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management
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Ensure high-quality bread products are produced at optimal volumes and cost.
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Implement and monitor standardized recipes and KPIs across all Sunbake bakeries.
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Oversee Food Safety Management and HACCP programs to ensure compliance with legal and company standards.
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Monitor production costs and optimize raw material usage without compromising quality.
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Drive a health and safety culture within production teams.
Plant Maintenance & Engineering
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Oversee effective maintenance of production plants, targeting 4.5% unplanned downtime.
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Manage CAPEX budgets and planned maintenance systems to prevent premature equipment replacement.
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Ensure compliance with legal, sustainability, and utility protocols.
Despatch, Delivery & Fleet Management
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Ensure efficient despatch and delivery operations, including route rationalization and crate control systems.
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Manage outsourced transport agreements and implement vehicle maintenance programs.
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Monitor fleet operating costs and ensure legal compliance.
Sales, Marketing & Customer Relations
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Develop and execute marketing and sales strategies for retail, catering, and forecourt channels.
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Analyze customer preferences, manage key account activities, and maintain strong customer relationships.
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Evaluate new product opportunities and potential market expansions.
Financial & Risk Management
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Maintain strict control over operational costs and budgets.
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Oversee debtor management, cash handling procedures, and procurement compliance.
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Implement long-term strategies for equipment procurement, risk mitigation, and asset protection.
Human Resources & Team Leadership
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Manage staffing levels, training, and succession planning.
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Ensure compliance with BCEA, LRA, and Employment Equity regulations.
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Address skill shortages and implement technical learnership programs as required.
Strategic Leadership
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Drive the execution of growth strategies aligned with RCL Foods’ business objectives.
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Identify and pursue new market opportunities to increase revenue and operational efficiency.
Minimum Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in Baking, Food Technology, Business Management, or related field.
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Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior management role within baking or FMCG operations.
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Valid driver’s license.
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Registered with the Chamber of Baking (advantageous).
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Proven experience in production, plant maintenance, despatch, and sales management.
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Strong understanding of HACCP, Food Safety Management, and legal compliance.
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Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
Core Competencies
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Strategic and commercial acumen with a results-oriented mindset.
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Strong leadership, team management, and coaching abilities.
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Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to operational detail.
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Resilience, adaptability, and ability to manage multiple operational areas.
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Customer-focused, innovative, and committed to continuous improvement.
Why Join RCL Foods?
Joining RCL Foods offers the opportunity to lead a market-leading bakery brand while contributing to the company’s growth and strategic vision. Employees benefit from:
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Competitive, market-related salary and performance incentives.
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Exposure to multi-disciplinary FMCG operations.
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Opportunities for career development and leadership growth.
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Dynamic and collaborative work environment emphasizing innovation, safety, and quality.
How to Apply
Interested candidates meeting the above requirements are invited to apply via the official RCL Foods careers portal before the closing date: 27 October 2025.
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