Packhouse Assistant Manager

Sydsen Recruit is recruiting for a client in the Garden Route for a packhouse assistant manager. This innovative berry farm, which focuses on exporting premium quality produce, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to oversee the smooth operations of the packhouse. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of quality management, food safety standards, and operational efficiency.About the Role:As the Packhouse Assistant Manager, you will be responsible for the efficient day-to-day operations of the packhouse, managing a dedicated team, ensuring quality and safety compliance, and optimising packaging processes to meet the demands of international customers.

Key responsibilities:
Quality control and food safety

• Collaborate with teams to ensure packing operations meet forecasted volumes and quality standards.
• Address product quality issues and manage relationships to maintain product excellence.
• Ensure packaging processes meet stringent food safety standards and traceability requirements.
• Capture data and generate quality reports.

Packaging operations

• Oversee the procurement of packaging materials, ensuring they meet budget and delivery timelines.
• Drive cost-efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Manage the packaging team and coordinate stock verification processes.

Packhouse management

• Plan and execute daily operations to meet customer orders, quality standards, and efficiency targets.
• Ensure effective cold chain management and transport logistics.
• Monitor stock rotation, minimise waste, and ensure production targets are met.
• Handle sales documentation and production verifications.

Pulp operations

• Ensure the efficient running of pulp operations, adhering to quality targets and waste management.

Human resources and labour management

• Coordinate labour needs with management to ensure staff are adequately trained, supported, and aligned with production goals.
• Adjust staffing levels in response to operational demands.

Health and safety

• Enforce health and safety procedures to guarantee a safe working environment.
• Ensure food safety standards are met, including in cleaning schedules and safety audits.

Requirements:
Education: Tertiary qualification, ideally in Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Experience: At least 3-5 years in packhouse management or a similar operational role, with proven expertise in quality control, food safety, and labour management.
Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and quality control.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficient in inventory management and stock rotation.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Afrikaans and Xhosa are advantageous.
• Driver's Licence: Code 8 required.

Additional Information:
Work Conditions:

• The role requires physical work, including lifting and moving products in various weather conditions.
• Overtime and weekend work may be required, especially during the harvest season.
• The Packhouse Assistant Manager will also be on-call outside regular hours for emergencies.

Contract: Permanent
Note: If you have not received feedback within two weeks, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

Posted on 18 Mar 14:41, Closing date 17 Apr