Production Manager - Agriculture

EnableSA Recruitment; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

EnableSA Recruitment is seeking an experienced supervisor for a fruit ripening facility in Gqeberha. The role oversees ripening, sorting, packing, dispatch, and quality control to ensure fruit meets standards.

Responsibilities include planning weekly orders, receiving fruit, inspecting quality, managing production and packaging processes, and coordinating dispatches. A Grade 12 plus tertiary qualification and 3–5 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent is required.
• A tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Food Technology, Production Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or related field is preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in fruit ripening, fresh produce, packhouse, warehousing or similar environment.
• Minimum 2–3 years' supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience in fruit quality assessment, grading, sorting and storage management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare weekly fruit orders for the facility one week in advance of the order.
• Receive all fruit purchased and inspect for quality upon receipt.
• Manage ripening and unripe fruit; plan and oversee the ripening process.
• Supervise sorting and dispatch; prepare orders a day prior to dispatch.
• Maintain quality-related records and reports; travel internationally as required.

Education

Grade 12

Tertiary qualification in Agriculture/related

Job description

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Food Technology, Production Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field (preferred)
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in fruit ripening, fresh produce, packhouse, warehousing, agricultural operations, or a similar environment
• Minimum 2-3 years' supervisory or team leadership experience
• Experience in fruit quality assessment, grading, sorting, and storage management
• Experience in stock control, inventory management, and production reporting
• Sound knowledge of fruit ripening processes and quality standards
• Understanding of cold chain management and fruit storage requirements
• Valid driver's licence and valid passport
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally when required

Responsibilities:

• Prepare weekly fruit orders for the facility one week in advance of the order
• Receive all fruit purchased
• Ensure that all fruit received is inspected and that the quality meets the required standard upon receipt
• Manage all ripening and unripe fruit
• Plan and oversee the fruit ripening process
• Supervise and manage the fruit sorting process
• Prepare all orders one day prior to dispatch
• Supervise and sign off on all dispatches
• Manage all quality-related complaints within the facility
• Conduct weekly retention sampling
• Submit daily Dispatch, Sorting and Stock Control reports
• Ensure weekly benchmarking is conducted and submit the results
• Supervise all production and cleaning staff on a daily basis
• Travel internationally, as required, to source and procure fruit
• Understand the operation of all facility machinery and equipment (including ripening rooms, cold rooms, packing equipment, scales and penetrometers), and ensure that staff operate it safely and correctly