Graduate Trainee - Packhouse Manager (Fixed-term contract)

Westfalia Fruit; Adelaide; Hybrid; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured mentorship

Professional growth opportunities

Exposure to diverse operational environments

Job summary

A multinational supplier of fresh fruit is seeking a Graduate Trainee - Packhouse Manager to develop into a future leader. This role involves extensive travel across South Africa and Mozambique, with structured training in various operations. Candidates should have a relevant degree and a keen interest in operational optimization. Skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for success in this entry-level contract position, which offers valuable mentorship and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Recently qualified graduate with relevant degree.
• 1-2 years experience in a similar role or industry is advantageous.
• Strong willingness to learn and travel.

Responsibilities

• Participate in packhouse operations and production planning.
• Contribute to performance improvement initiatives.
• Engage with teams on the packhouse floor.

Skills

Numerical analysis

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Agriculture, Industrial Engineering

Job description

Graduate Trainee - Packhouse Manager (Fixed-term contract)

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value‑added products to global markets. Through our vertically‑integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes and fresh produce 365 days a year across the globe. With the largest avocado‑growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and are considered the supplier of choice to both retail and wholesale customers served from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America and Southern Africa. Westfalia Fruto Moçambique Lda/Westfalia Fruit, situated between South Africa and Mozambique, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified: Graduate Trainee – Packhouse Manager (FTC).

Purpose of the role

This Graduate Trainee position aims to develop a future Packhouse Manager by providing structured, rotational training across multiple avocado packhouses in South Africa and Mozambique. The successful candidate must be willing and prepared to travel extensively to Everdon (KZN), Estates & TFP (Limpopo), Adelaide (Eastern Cape) and Chimoio (Mozambique) at various stages of the season to gain full exposure to diverse operational environments. The role will be reporting to the Operations Manager – Packhouses Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• The trainee will be immersed in all aspects of packhouse operations, including intake management, production planning, line efficiency, quality control, food safety (BRCGS Issue 9) and health & safety compliance (ISO 45001).
• Participate in operational reviews and data‑driven performance improvement initiatives, gain people‑management exposure and contribute to continuous improvement projects aligned with group productivity, cost and compliance objectives.

Education

• Recently qualified graduate with a National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a similar field.

Experience

• 1–2 years’ experience in a similar role or industry (advantageous).
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem‑solving ability with an interest in operational optimisation.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently within South Africa and to Mozambique as part of a structured rotational programme.
• Demonstrated eagerness to learn, with exposure to agriculture, packhouse environments or production systems considered advantageous but not essential.
• Basic understanding of quality, food safety or health & safety principles will be beneficial.

Behavioural Competencies

• High levels of curiosity, initiative and a proactive approach to learning.
• Strong work ethic, resilience and ability to work under pressure in fast‑paced, seasonal operational environments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage respectfully with diverse teams on the packhouse floor.
• Adaptable and ready to work in different regions, cultures and operational setups.
• Collaborative mindset with a positive attitude toward teamwork, continuous improvement and constructive feedback.
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity and professionalism in all work settings.
• Safety‑first mindset with respect for operational discipline and standard operating procedures.

Benefits of the program

• Develop a high‑potential graduate into a confident, capable operational leader with a strong grounding in packhouse excellence.
• Equip the trainee with the technical, analytical, leadership and people‑management skills required to run safe, efficient and customer‑focused packhouse operations across the region.
• Build a deep understanding of our people culture, emphasising teamwork, respect, collaboration and leading through influence rather than authority.
• Foster a mindset of continuous improvement, curiosity and resilience by offering exposure to diverse teams, regions and operational challenges.
• Provide structured mentorship, coaching and real responsibilities that accelerate professional growth and prepare the graduate for future leadership roles within the business.

Benefits and Application Details

Closing date for applications will be 09 December 2025. If you do not receive correspondence by 31 January 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Production

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting

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