Acting Chief Inspector

PPECB; Mbombela; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agriculture compliance organization is offering a 6-month developmental opportunity for aspiring supervisors in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. Candidates will gain practical experience in key supervisory roles, overseeing inspections and ensuring product safety. A strong agricultural background with significant experience is essential. The role presents a stepping stone for future opportunities within the company.

Benefits

Acting allowance

Formal developmental feedback

Qualifications

• At least 7 years relevant work experience in an agricultural role.
• 3 years in a Senior Inspector or Assessor role.
• Experience in Food Safety audits advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Supervise inspection and certification of perishable products.
• Motivate performance of subordinates.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems.

Skills

Leadership orientation

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in agricultural discipline

Job description

Main purpose of the job

Operations Supervisory Development Opportunity

6 Months

The Operations Department is offering developmental opportunities for potential Talent to gain practical exposure to supervisory competencies while Acting in the role of Chief Inspector.

• Chief Inspector (CI) - Mpumalanga 1x Nelspruit

These developmental acting opportunities - starting 1 April 2026 - offer the ideal chance for individuals to be exposed to the supervision role within a small team environment.

Overview Of Exposure

Operations Supervision is a specialist competency aimed at ensuring the correct application of standards and protocols within the PPECB’s legislative mandate; transfer of skills and monitoring of consistent technical competence within the legislative framework of the PPECB.

The primary objective is to ensure compliance to all relevant procedures, protocols and Service Level Agreements within a defined geographical area.

Responsibilities

Supervision competency:

• Supervisory roles in Inspection, Food Safety and Export Certification and/or Cold Chain functions related to the specified geographical area.
• Performance motivation of sub-ordinates within the framework of the PPECB performance motivation system.
• Ensuring adequate competency levels of staff within the Harmonization framework.
• Coordinating compliance to prescribed processes, procedures and protocols within the framework of the Agricultural Product Standards Act and/or the Perishable Products Export Control Board Act.
• Ensure correct application of quality management systems, procedures and work instructions.

Technical Competency

• Administrative tasks and reporting related to the execution of services.
• Ensure adherence to Service Level agreements.
• Ensuring effective two-way communication internal and external.
• Inspection and certification of perishable products and/or the handling, storage and transport of perishable products.
• The successful developmental candidates will be required to be semi-functional.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• CI: A tertiary qualification in an agricultural discipline with at least 7 years relevant work experience of which 3 years in a Senior Inspector role.
• LA: A tertiary qualification in an agricultural discipline with at least 7 years relevant work experience or a competent senior assessor with at least 10 years relevant work experience of which 3 years in a Senior Assessor role.
• Experience in Food Safety audits will be an advantage.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge and experience on the following:
  • CI: Citrus
  • LA: Cold Chain principles
• Knowledge, understanding and experience of all inspection and/or cold chain services relevant to the specified geographical area.

Interpersonal Competencies And Leadership Potential

• Strong self-development orientation and drive
• A history of strong, consistent work-performance
• Proven track record of taking ownership enabled by responsible and accountable behaviour
• Strong leadership orientation
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude and a team player
• Excellent customer service skills
• PPECB Brand Ambassador
• Willingness to travel
• A valid code 08 driving license and own reliable vehicle
• May be required to participate in the relief duty roster

Application & Selection Process

Applications will be considered by means of a multiple-hurdle process; consisting of pre-screening of applications; formal interviews; followed by assessments for short-listed candidates. Formal developmental feedback will be provided to unsuccessful candidates to assist them with their PDP’s (Personal Development Plans).

The candidates with the strongest performance in the above process will be appointed to these 6-month developmental acting opportunities. An Acting allowance will be applicable for the period.

Please note: Successful placement in above acting role does not guarantee future acting placements and/or appointments. Candidates’ Acting performance will be assessed at the end of the period and serve as input to the Talent Management reviews for Operations Supervisory pools.