Senior Packhouse Manager - Citrus Packing & Quality

Headhunters; Kirkwood; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters is seeking an experienced senior operations lead to head a packhouse in the citrus industry. You will develop and implement strategic operational plans, lead and motivate staff, and ensure packing meets export and local market standards.

You will oversee costs within the budget, drive productivity, ensure quality and safety compliance, and collaborate with the Operations Manager – Kirkwood to achieve performance targets.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Production, Operations, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience within a production environment, preferably citrus.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a management role.
• Computer literate with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good working knowledge of quality, environmental and safety management systems.
• Knowledge of BRC, HACCP, ISO, SIZA and GlobalGAP requirements.
• Strong leadership and staff management capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage production operations and achieve KPIs.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage costs and operate within budget.
• Willingness to work either day or night shift during citrus season.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic packhouse operational plans.
• Achieve packhouse goals and objectives through agreed key performance indicators.
• Lead, motivate and manage staff to achieve packhouse targets.
• Coordinate and execute the packing programme as planned and prioritised by the Marketing department.
• Ensure high-quality citrus fruit is packed and dispatched efficiently for export and local markets.
• Ensure compliance with customer, quality and market specifications.
• Manage staff effectively and ensure ongoing compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with quality, food safety and sanitation requirements.
• Manage packhouse costs in line with the approved budget.
• Identify, lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure effective utilisation of equipment, materials and labour.
• Maintain compliance with quality, safety and environmental requirements.
• Promote sound labour relations within the packhouse.
• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager – Kirkwood and relevant departments to achieve operational objectives.
• Drive productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness across packhouse operations.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Planning & organisation

Problem-solving

Cost management

Communication

Quality & safety awareness

Education

Tertiary qualification in Production/Operations/Engineering or related

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Headhunters is seeking an experienced senior operations lead to head a packhouse in the citrus industry. You will develop and implement strategic operational plans, lead and motivate staff, and ensure packing meets export and local market standards.

You will oversee costs within the budget, drive productivity, ensure quality and safety compliance, and collaborate with the Operations Manager – Kirkwood to achieve performance targets.