Assistant Manager: Cold Store

Joubert & Associates; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A fruit packing enterprise in Paarl seeks an experienced Assistant Cold Store Manager to oversee operations, ensure compliance with standards, and manage personnel. Candidates must have a relevant tertiary qualification and at least 5 years of cold storage experience, preferably in the fruit industry. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential. The role offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational success in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ cold store experience, preferably in the fruit industry.
• Knowledge of ammoniac cooling systems is beneficial.
• Proven knowledge of Food Safety Systems and Export standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cold store operations and ensure compliance with all requirements.
• Coordinate shifts and supervise cold store personnel.
• Troubleshoot and find solutions to maintain operational outputs.

Skills

Cold store experience

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Advanced computer skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

Packhouse systems

Temperature monitoring systems/software

Job description

Our client, a well-established fruit packing and cooling enterprise in Paarl, is providing an exciting opportunity for an experienced Assistant Cold Store Manager to join their organisation.

The incumbent will report to and assist the Cold Store Manager with overseeing and managing the receipt, cooling and dispatch of fruit (both pallets and fruit delivered in bins for packing purposes) in compliance with producer/agent requests and expectations in a manner that maximises company profit. The successful candidate must ensure adherence to all statutory and regulatory requirements / standards and must ensure that the company has the necessary equipment to execute its operations successfully.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cold store operations and ensure that all fruit is dispatched on the correct dates and stored at the correct temperature, in compliance with statutory and export requirements
• Coordination of shifts and supervision, pro‑active prioritisation and identification of possible problem areas and development of risk‑mitigating plans to eliminate problems
• Operate as a fruit receiving depot – establish feasibility of producer/agent requests and regularly liaise with producers/agents regarding status of fruit
• Oversight of cold store activities by means of a hands‑on approach, resource optimisation, procedural compliance, and technical know‑how to ensure efficient and effective cold store operations
• Ensure that company, cold store and industry related standards, targets and regulations are maintained by demonstrating good management skills
• Trouble shooting and solution finding to ensure operational outputs are met with the emphasis on detail, accuracy and responsible management principles and practices
• Pro‑active situation analysis and decision making in accordance with the Cold Store Manager
• Efficient management of cold store personnel (limit overtime, establish shift rosters, ensure that disciplinary procedures are adhered to etc.)

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• At least 5 years’ cold store experience (preferably in the fruit industry)
• Experience with packhouse and temperature monitoring systems/software (advantageous)
• Knowledge of ammoniac cooling systems will be beneficial
• Experience in management of a sizable team (Personal development, motivation and training)
• Proven knowledge of Food Safety Systems and Export standards (HACCP, PPECB, Global G.A.P)
• Understanding of the cold store life cycle (including logistics)
• Knowledge of the fruit packing industry
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving and interpersonal skills
• Advanced computer skills
• Own transport