Production Shift Manager

Helderberg Personnel; Villiersdorp; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Helderberg Personnel is seeking an experienced Operations Supervisor in the Western Cape to lead Line Managers and packing staff on a shift basis. You will ensure packing programmes are implemented, targets met, and quality standards upheld across fresh fruit lines.

You'll oversee KPI tracking, downtime reduction, and safety compliance, coordinating resources and reporting for audits. Strong knowledge of fruit production (apples/pears) and proficiency in Vitrax/MS Office are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fresh produce packhouse or FMCG production environment, with at least 2–3 years in a Junior Management role.
• Strong knowledge of production and quality of fruit (apples and pears).
• Experience managing a team through Line Managers/Supervisors.
• Sound computer knowledge (Vitrax and MS Office).
• Experience implementing packing programmes and meeting production targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead Line Managers and Supervisors per shift to meet packing targets.
• Review packing lines against the packing program and report deviations.
• Oversee fruit packing to market requirements and standards.
• Coordinate bins and packing material for lines.
• Track shift KPIs and take corrective action for underperforming lines.
• Minimise downtime and escalate recurring issues.
• Conduct continuous quality inspection per packing program.
• Coordinate quality reports and packing adjustments.
• Check sizes and weights of fruit and adjust diameter if necessary.
• Allocate wage staff across lines per pack plan and availability.
• Assist with admin/reporting for audits.
• Ensure adherence to health & safety standards.
• Manage BRCGS and relevant quality standards and procedures.

Skills

People management

Team coordination

Problem solving

Quality focus

Education

Tertiary Qualification or relevant training in operations

Tools

Vitrax

MS Office

Job description

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage Line Managers and Supervisors per shift to ensure packing programmes are effectively implemented, and production targets are met
• Review packing lines according to packing program and report on deviations to the Production Manager
• Packing of fruits according to correct market requirements and standards
• Coordinate bins and packing material process for packing lines
• Track and report on shift KPIs (kg packed per line, pack-out %, downtime) and take corrective action on underperforming lines
• Manage production/pack line downtime to a minimum, escalating recurring mechanical or resourcing issues
• Continual quality inspection throughout the day according to the packing program
• Receive and analyse quality reports and coordinate adjustments to packing when appropriate
• Check sizes and weights of fruit and adjust diameter, if necessary
• Manage the allocation of wage staff across lines in line with the pack plan and labour availability, adjusting for absenteeism and throughput changes during the shift
• Assist with relevant administration and/or reporting for audit purposes
• Ensure adherence to relevant health & safety standards
• Management of BRCGS and relevant quality standards and procedures

Requirements

• Tertiary Qualification or relevant training in operations
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a fresh produce packhouse or FMCG production environment, with at least 2–3 years in a Junior Management role
• In-depth knowledge of production and quality of fruit (apples and pears)
• Experience managing a team through Line Managers/Supervisors
• Sound computer knowledge (Vitrax and MS Office)