Packhouse / Production Manager

Exceed HR and Recruitment; Klapmuts; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Klapmuts is seeking a Packhouse / Production Manager to oversee operations, manage staff, and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards. The role requires strong leadership and mechanical knowledge, with a focus on optimizing production lines and maintaining high-quality output.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in packhouse production environment.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of optical sorters and packlines.
• Experience managing large teams in fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize multiple pack lines for production.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety standards.
• Effectively manage all staff on a shift of up to 90 people.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Mechanical Knowledge

Job description

Packhouse / Production Manager required in Klapmuts.

Requirements:

• 5+ years experience in a packhouse production environment (blueberries or other soft fruits preferred).
• Strong mechanical knowledge of optical sorters and packlines (ie. BBC or Weco), including maintenance.
• Experience managing large teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work up to 12-hour night shifts during peak season.
• Knowledge of blueberry packing requirements for export markets.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Packhouse Operations & Production Management

• Manage and optimize multiple pack lines, ensuring correct setup and adjustments.
• Ensure accurate records of processes, including storage and loading of pallets.
• Oversee production planning and execution, aiming for a 48-hour turnaround for raw stock.
• Maintain packhouse temperatures according to protocols and ensure proper cooling of picked and packed pallets.
• Ensure all PPECB inspections are completed for export pallets.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain strict quality control (QC) standards for all packed orders, according to various customer specifications.
• Use QC data to make informed decisions about fruit allocation to orders.
• Immediately report out-of-specification products to the Packhouse and Quality Manager.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety standards.
• Maintain a clean and organised packhouse throughout the season.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Perform pre-season maintenance on pack lines.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and cleaning of sorting and packing lines.
• Ensure cooling equipment is running efficiently with daily checklists completed.
• Manage spare parts inventory to reduce downtime.
• Perform scheduled maintenance tasks on packhouse equipment and buildings.
• Log activities and timesheets for maintenance tasks.

People & Shift Management

• Effectively manage all staff on a shift (up to 90 people per shift in peak season).
• Ensure staff adhere to SOPs, operational procedures, and company regulations.
• Report any HR issues to the HR Manager and seek assistance when needed.
• Manage employee timekeeping and productivity.
• Create a collaborative, motivated, and high-performance team culture.

Systems & Reporting

• Manage the packhouse system from receiving to dispatch.
• Monitor cold room conditions daily and report any system errors immediately.
• Ensure accurate documentation of all processes.