Production & Procurement Manager – The Pecan People, Magogong

VKB Agriculture; Noordwes; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in South Africa seeks a Production Coordinator to oversee production planning and optimization in the pecan sector. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, experience in the industry, and strong leadership abilities. Responsibilities include managing production efficiency, compliance with food safety standards, and ensuring effective stakeholder relationships. This role demands excellent communication skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum Grade 12.
• Bachelor’s Degree Agricultural Field / Equivalent qualification or proven industry experience.
• 3-5 years’ relevant experience.
• Experience in the pecan industry: 2-4 years.
• Grading certification.
• Fumigation certification.
• Code 8 Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily production and control performance.
• Ensure optimal processing of niche products.
• Drive employee productivity and operational efficiency.
• Manage customer service and key stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and health requirements.

Skills

Production planning and operational coordination skills

Understanding of agricultural processing and procurement

Financial awareness and cost control

People management and leadership ability

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail and quality compliance

Ability to work under pressure

Problem-solving mindset

Proficiency in reporting and inventory control

Education

Grade 12

Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Field or Equivalent

Job description

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company, providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the farm-foods for consumers. Apart from the various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK. Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years.

Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now also operate in all areas of the food supply chain: processing, logistics, and national and global market channels.

This “house of brands” we’ve established with the support of our farmer shareholders is the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

Previously known as GWK Pecans, we’ve now refreshed our company name and brand identity while continuing to serve producers and buyers with the same commitment to quality.

GWK Pecans was established in 2018 to support the growing industry and to create a unique pecan business that empowers our farmers. The company’s focus is on supplying the demand for high-quality pecan nuts to the global market. We are rooted in the years of experience and built on the foundation GWK (as part of the VKB Group) offers and are now known as The Pecan People.

The Pecan People is the go‑to company for pecan producers and buyers, offering expert services for the successful production and marketing of pecan nuts – local and internationally.

Job Description

Responsible for the control and planning of production as well as procurement for the optimisation of productivity and efficiency of the employees. Ensure that the best results are achieved in relation to the set budget, cost‑effectiveness, and prescribed quality targets.

Responsible for the procurement Pecans.

Requirements

• Minimum Grade 12
• Bachelor’s Degree Agricultural Field / Equivalent qualification or proven industry experience would serve as a recommendation
• 3-5 years’ experience relevant experience
• Experience in the pecan industry: 2 - 4 years
• Grading certification
• Fumigation certification
• Code 8 Driver's License

Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily production planning, control, and performance reporting
• Production planning and control for optimal processing of Niche product to facilitate packaging needs.
• Drive employee productivity and operational efficiency
• Control and planning of production.
• Assist producers with general queries
• Optimal contracting and exchange rate management as well as daily feedback to direct management.
• Complete inventory administration and control
• Manage customer service and key stakeholder relationships
• Personnel management, temporary as well as permanent employees
• Ensure full compliance with:
• Food safety standards (grading, fumigation, hygiene, traceability)
• Factory safety and occupational health requirements
• All applicable legislation, policies, and audits

Skills Required

• Strong production planning and operational coordination skills
• Solid understanding of agricultural processing and procurement
• Financial awareness with a focus on cost control and efficiency
• Proven people management and leadership ability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• High attention to detail, quality, and compliance
• Ability to work under pressure in a seasonal, fast‑paced environment
• Problem‑solving mindset with a hands‑on, practical approach
• Proficiency in reporting, inventory control, and basic systems administration

Other Information

• The company can expire jobs at any time at their own discretion.
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• VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. VKB Group’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to VKB Group’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. VKB Group actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.
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