Packhouse/Production Manager

Exceed Human Resource Consultants; Klapmuts; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the agricultural sector is seeking a Packhouse Operations & Production Manager to oversee production processes, ensure quality control, and manage a large team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in packhouse operations, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to safety and quality standards. This role requires the ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards throughout the production cycle.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize multiple pack lines.
• 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

Tools

Optical Sorters

Packlines

Job description

Reference:10382 MLRConsultant: Michellele RouxJob Description:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

How to Apply:

• Email your comprehensive CV [e-mail].
• If you are already registered, please forward your CV and the relevant reference number to the consultant with whom you are currently registered in order to avoid duplicity on our system.
• We reserve the right to only conduct interviews with candidates of choice.
• Applicants who have not received feedback within 30 days from the closing date must please accept their application as unsuccessful.