Graduate Trainee - Packhouse Manager (Fixed-term contract)

Westfalia Fruit; Tzaneen; Hybrid; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit seeks a Graduate Trainee – Packhouse Manager. This position offers structured training across various locations in South Africa and Mozambique, developing future leaders in packhouse operations. Duties include managing packhouse functions and engaging in continuous improvement projects. Ideal candidates hold a National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in relevant fields and are eager to learn. Benefits include mentorship and exposure to diverse challenges in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Structured mentorship

Career development opportunities

Exposure to diverse operational challenges

Qualifications

• Recently qualified graduate in a relevant field.
• 1 – 2 years of experience in a related role is advantageous.
• Interest in operational optimisation is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Immerse in all packhouse operations including intake management and production planning.
• Participate in operational reviews and contribute to performance improvement initiatives.

Skills

Numerical ability

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

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

Job description

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 avocados & fresh produce – 365 days a year and across the globe.

With the largest avocado‑growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered the supplier of choice to both retail and wholesale customers whom we serve 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.

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, data‑driven performance improvement initiatives, 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 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 the 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.
• Demonstrates adaptability and readiness to work in different regions, cultures and operational set‑ups.
• Collaborative mindset with a positive attitude toward teamwork, continuous improvement and constructive feedback.
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity and professionalism in all work settings.
• A 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.

Closing Date for Applications

Closing date for applications will be the 09 December 2025.

Should you not receive correspondence by the 31st of January 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.