Packhouse Assistant Manager

Job title: Packhouse Assistant Manager

Our client is looking to hire an experienced, self-motivated and target driven Packhouse Assistant Manager for their berry-farm in George.

The purpose of the Role:

Manage the process of packing harvested fruit and dispatching the fruit to meet with Customer specifications on time, in full and at the highest possible quality.

Job Summary:

Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the packhouse, ensuring quality standards, labor efficiency, food safety, and timely delivery of customer orders. The role involves managing all aspects of production, packaging, logistics, labor teams, and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Quality & Process Control: Ensure product quality standards, processes, and controls are maintained to deliver consistent high-quality products. Address any deviations through corrective actions.
• Labor Management: Plan, coordinate, and manage labor requirements for production, ensuring deadlines, speed, and quality targets are met. Apply disciplinary action when necessary for deviations.
• Packaging & Procurement: Source, procure, and distribute packaging materials in line with food safety standards and production needs. Manage packaging costs without compromising quality.
• Packaging Operations: Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of packaging operations, including ensuring compliance with customer order specifications, stock levels, and quality standards.
• Logistics & Stock Management: Ensure timely transport logistics, monitor cold chain temperatures, and verify stock levels for accuracy and to minimize waste. Ensure traceability and compliance with packaging regulations.
• Fruit & Pulp Operations: Manage out-grower fruit deliveries, packing processes, and pulp operations. Ensure yield targets are met and waste is minimized. Track and report fruit variances.
• Staff Training & Health & Safety: Lead training programs and support staff performance. Ensure health and safety standards are adhered to, including conducting audits and managing corrective actions.
• Housekeeping & Maintenance: Maintain high standards of housekeeping and collaborate with the Packhouse Manager on maintenance tasks to ensure smooth operations.
• Compliance & Reporting: Prepare and distribute daily reports tracking fruit variances, stock levels, and production outcomes. Ensure all audit check sheets and compliance standards are met.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Experience in production and packaging operations, ideally in a food safety or agricultural context
• Knowledge of food safety standards, health, and safety regulations
• Ability to manage procurement, inventory, and supply chain operations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address operational challenges
• Experience with labor planning, scheduling, and cost management
• Familiarity with cold chain logistics and traceability systems
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and efficiency in packhouse operations

Key Competencies:

• Attention to detail in quality control and reporting
• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Proactive in identifying and resolving operational issues
• Strong communication and team management abilities

This position is in office and is full-time.

Starting date: As soon as possible

Location: George.

Salary: Market related and depending on experience

Please apply online if you meet the above-mentioned requirements.

Please assume that your application was unsuccessful If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks.