Packinghouse Manager

Coral Beach Farms; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cherry producer in Canada is seeking a Packinghouse Manager to oversee operational activities at their processing plant. The role requires a minimum of 5 years' experience in fruit processing and 3 years as a Plant Manager. Responsibilities include ensuring safety standards, managing costs, and leading a skilled workforce. Ideal candidates have strong leadership abilities and technical skills, with proficiency in computer applications and the ability to communicate in Spanish as an asset.

Qualifications

• Must have 5+ years Fruit Processing or Food Manufacturing experience.
• Must have at least 3 years' experience as a Plant/Operations Manager.
• Experienced in operational compliance with industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of all employees at all times.
• Deliver results across key business functions such as safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Control all aspects of direct and indirect costs to improve profitability.

Skills

Fruit Processing experience

Food Manufacturing experience

Leadership skills

Technical operating skills

Ability to motivate teams

Communication in Spanish

Computer proficiency

Job description

Jealous Fruits Ltd. is a fully integrated sweet cherry producer located in Lake Country, BC. This growing operation, which maintains several unique geographical locations throughout the Okanagan Valley, is the largest cherry packing organization in Canada with over 700 acres currently in production. To meet the growing demands of this growing company, we are seeking motivated individuals, eager to learn and be challenged to join our dedicated team and are pleased to be accepting applications for a Packinghouse Manager.

Job Description

We are currently seeking a self‑motivated individual to fill the position of Packinghouse Manager. This position provides overall direction and guidance to the operational activities of our processing plant with the objective of maximizing operational efficiencies and profitability. The candidate will provide day‑to‑day leadership and management of processing functions to maximize both productivity and profitability while ensuring we meet our quality standards while maintaining a safe working environment.

Qualifications

• Must have 5+ years Fruit Processing or Food Manufacturing experience.
• Must have at least 3 years' experience as a Plant/ Operations Manager running a Fruit Processing or Food Processing Plant.
• Must be able to lead a processing plant in a very fast paced environment.
• Solid technical operating skills in a food environment, including processing, equipment, food safety basics, maintenance systems, production and inventory control and information systems.
• Qualified candidates will have processing, logistics and warehousing/shipping experience.
• Experience developing appropriate policies and procedures to ensure compliance within manufacturing, operational practices, applicable laws and GMPs/food safety requirements.
• Strong ability to inspire and motivate self and others. Experience building and maintaining a high‑performing team. Must be hands‑on with employees in a labor‑intensive environment.
• Ability to lead and motivate individuals/teams and committed to excellence and continuous learning and improvement.
• Able to work very long hours during our busy season or as business activities demand. Plant operations are seven days a week during Mid‑July to Early September.
• Ability to speak Spanish to communicate with Spanish speaking workforce an asset.
• Experience with optical sorting equipment an asset.
• Experience in the cherry industry an asset.
• Computer Proficient – Outlook, MS WORD and MS Excel application minimum.

Additional Information

Duties:

• Ensure the safety of all employees, at all times.
• Deliver results across key business functions such as safety, quality and efficiency.
• Ensure effective teamwork throughout the business.
• Ensure that an engaged, committed, skilled and flexible workforce is maintained at all times. This includes recruitment, selection and training of supervisory and equipment maintenance staff.
• Promote the business as a 'learning environment' in which continuous improvement and bias for action are second nature.
• Control all aspects of direct and indirect costs to make a substantial improvement in profitability in a methodical, sustainable way.
• Ensure systematic planning and control of operational activities.
• Support the development of quality systems and processes, which create and maintain the integrity and food safety of all products.
• Ensure that an effective communication system is in place which should include team briefings and regular management meetings.
• Reviews inventories of material stored, all box manufacturing and pallets supplies, to ensure accuracy and to reorder supplies as needed also advise other departments of the inventory status of each item. Directs requisitions for maintenance, equipment, machine parts, and manufacturing supplies. Recommends and/or makes improvements in machinery and equipment and in manufacturing methods.
• Completes yearly performance appraisals for direct reports.
• Performs other duties and handles special projects as assigned.

Temporary/Full Time - Approximate work term - March 2023 to October 2023