Production Manager - Agriculture

EnableSA Recruitment; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

EnableSA Recruitment is seeking an experienced supervisor for our fruit ripening and warehousing operations in the Eastern Cape. The role involves overseeing ripening, sorting, packing, and dispatch while ensuring fruit quality and cold-chain integrity.

You will lead production staff, maintain stock control, and coordinate weekly orders and international travel when required. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years in related environments and 2-3 years in supervisory roles, with a Grade 12 and a

Qualifications

• Grade 12 is required; tertiary qualification preferred in Agriculture, Food Tech, Production/SCM/Operations or related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in fruit ripening, fresh produce, packhouse, warehousing, or similar operations.
• 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 passport; willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Prepare weekly fruit orders for the facility one week in advance of the order.
• Receive all fruit purchased and inspect quality on receipt.
• Manage all ripening and unripe fruit; plan and oversee ripening process.
• Supervise and manage the fruit sorting process.
• Prepare all orders one day prior to dispatch; supervise dispatches.
• Manage all quality-related complaints within the facility; conduct weekly retention sampling.
• Submit daily Dispatch, Sorting and Stock Control reports; ensure weekly benchmarking.

Skills

Leadership

Quality assessment

Inventory management

Stock control

Production reporting

Fruit ripening

Supervision

Travel readiness

Education

Grade 12

Tertiary qualification in Agriculture/Food Technology/Production/SCM/Operations

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