Agro-Processing Manager - Value Addition

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive medical and dental

Pension fund benefits

Generous leave and development

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for an Agro-Processing Manager in Upington. This hybrid role combines on-site supervision of processing lines with remote strategic planning to scale operations and improve product quality and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in food processing technology, quality management, and leadership within agriculture, with 5+ years in agro-processing and at least 2 years in management. Competitive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Agriculture or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in agro-processing or food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a management role.
• Experience overseeing production lines, quality control, and process optimization.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP and food safety standards.
• Strong leadership and communication capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee agro-processing production from raw material reception to packaging.
• Develop and implement processing protocols to ensure quality and safety.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, ingredients, and finished goods.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and certifications.
• Optimize production processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Supervise processing staff and ensure adherence to safety procedures.
• Coordinate with R&D for new product development and process improvements.
• Monitor market trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Prepare production reports and performance metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Data analysis

HACCP knowledge

Processing management software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology or related field

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

GMP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an emerging agro-processing enterprise in **Upington**, is seeking an experienced Agro-Processing Manager to oversee and optimize their value-addition operations. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site supervision of processing activities and remote strategic planning and management. You will be responsible for managing the transformation of raw agricultural products into high-value goods, ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food processing technology, quality management, and operational leadership within the agricultural sector. This is a crucial role in driving business growth, enhancing product portfolios, and contributing to the economic development of the Northern Cape region through improved agricultural value chains. You will be instrumental in scaling up operations and ensuring market competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the agro-processing production line, from raw material reception to finished product packaging.
• Develop and implement processing protocols to ensure product quality, safety, and consistency.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, ingredients, and finished goods.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations, certifications, and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO).
• Optimize production processes for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and waste reduction.
• Supervise and train processing staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety procedures.
• Manage equipment maintenance and troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new product development and process improvements.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decisions.
• Prepare production reports, cost analyses, and performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Agriculture, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agro-processing or food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in managing production lines, quality control, and process optimization.
• Strong understanding of food processing technologies, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Experience with relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Proficiency in using processing management software and basic data analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively in both a plant environment and for remote administrative tasks.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape of the Upington region is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Pension fund benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in processing technologies.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing company.