Packhouse Manager

Koala Cherries; Yarck; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Koala Cherries, a leading Australian cherry producer based in Yarck, Victoria, is expanding its Packhouse Team and seeking a competent leader. You will drive packhouse operations, manage the packing line, ensure quality and food safety, and lead a skilled team to meet daily production targets in a fast-growing horticultural business.

The role offers the chance to advance in a progressive industry leader with a strong safety culture and focus on continuous improvement and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar position and/or packhouse environment preferred.
• A respectful and considerate leader with strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of safety and quality standards.
• Experience with machinery maintenance and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the packshed team and drive continuous improvement.
• Direct packhouse operations from fruit receival to grading, packing and cool storage dispatch.
• Plan daily production schedules to meet throughput while protecting fruit quality.
• Oversee electronic sorting, optical grading and packing line equipment.
• Oversee daily packing activities to ensure orders are packed, and dispatched in full and on time.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and legislative requirements across all operational processes.
• Manage quality control, grading, packing, weighing, and labelling of fresh produce.
• Maintain accurate inventory, reporting, and documentation, ensuring robust internal controls.
• Promote a safe, high-performance workplace aligned with company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Health & safety

Team orientation

Machinery knowledge

Tools

Forklift licence

Job description

Koala Cherries is a progressive, horticultural leader - one of the largest Australian cherry producers, supplying both domestic and international markets. Orchards are spread over 3 Victorian regional areas. Our corporate offices and state of the art packing facility are located in Yarck, central Victoria, a beautiful small town close to Yea and Alexandra, and an easy 40-minute commute with no traffic lights from the regional towns of Mansfield, Seymour, Euroa and Marysville.

Our business and culture are built under a core set of values, centred around "treating people with respect". For over 80 years we have been proud producers of premium grade cherries and are constantly experiencing an increase in demand for this popular fruit.

Undergoing significant expansion, we require great people to transition this next phase of our business, this role presents genuine opportunities for career advancement.

We are part of the horticultural sector which is forecast to be the fastest growing agricultural sector to 2030, with total growth of 33.1%.

Our Packhouse Team

Who we are looking for a competent professional, passionate about premium fruit with a strong work ethic and keen to advance in their career with a progressive industry leader.

The current average tenure in our Packhouse Management team is 15+ years.

The Role

Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following components:

Support the Operations Manager in leading and managing the packshed team, driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Direct all packhouse operations from fruit receival through to grading, sizing, packing and cool storage dispatch

Plan and manage daily production schedules to meet throughput targets while protecting fruit quality.

Oversee the operation and optimisation of electronic sorting, optical grading and packing line equipment

Oversee daily packing activities to ensure orders are packed, and dispatched in full and on time

Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and legislative requirements across all operational processes

Manage quality control, grading, packing, weighing, and labelling of fresh produce

Maintain accurate inventory, reporting, and documentation, ensuring robust internal controls

Promote a safe, high-performance workplace aligned with company policies

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities:

Experience in a similar position and/or packhouseenvironment is preferred.

A respectful and considerate leader with strong interpersonal skills.

Knowledge of technical and industry standards including safety & quality standards.

Excellent leadership and problem-solving skills - working with a wide range of people todriveteam culture.

Knowledge of machinery and equipment maintenance.

Be achampion of health & safety with a focus on continuous improvement.

Forklift licence preferred, or a willingness to obtain.

Experience in working with major retailers