Packhouse Manager

Our client is a blueberry farm situated 16km outside George in the Western Cape.  Due to their ever-expanding fruit volumes, they have a fantastic opportunity for a Packhouse Manager to join their business.

They produce fresh and frozen blueberries that is packaged in bulk and final pack for the local and the export markets. Their harvest season is from June to January and they market frozen blueberries throughout the year.

The candidate will be responsible for managing a very busy seasonal blueberry packhouse, packing product to the various requirements and specifications of their domestic and overseas clients. The position includes quality assurance and achieving production targets and goals designated by the Managing Director.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage and implement a quality team
  • Pre-planning and production organizing
  • Labour management (the team consists of up to 60 people with receiving, packing, quality control, dispatch, refrigeration, logistics and packaging material the main activities)
  • Meet production plans by managing line packers work schedules
  • Liaise with HR and management for labour requirements and ensure that all teams are capable and have received the required training
  • Manage labour administration including leave cycles, work attendance and overtime
  • Logistics relating to packing material, lugs, haulage movements, amongst others
  • Yield Information and Packaging Control
  • Audits
  • Administration
  • Establishing and maintaining team building & communication within the packhouse

Requirements:

  • Grade 12 with a suitable tertiary qualification Food Science/Food Production
  • 5 -10 years’ experience in a food production environment
  • A strong understanding of how to run a packhouse/packing operation effectively and efficiently
  • An understanding of fresh produce specifications
  • Ability to meticulously plan and organize to ensure successful outcomes in terms of the adherence to quality, cost, and timeframe parameters.
  • Proven experience in managing people, processes, systems, and time
  • Strong report writing and communication skills
  • Very strong interpersonal skills

Please ENSURE that your application includes the following:

  • a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, inclusive of contact and email information
  • a covering letter motivating the application
  • an indication of current and expected remuneration
  • availability
  • contactable referees

If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please accept that your application was not successful. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 6 April 2021

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