Packhouse Manager

**Reference: CDS 6963**

**Consultant: Carina de Swardt**

**Descriptions**:

- Collaborate with senior management to develop the sales strategy that is in line with the divisional strategy. Responsible for managing all commercial sales
- Oversees key commercial relationships to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
- Executes sales activities, with results measured against the sales plan, and hold the product and grower support team accountable for achieving sales goals.
- Works closely with Senior Management to create the divisional budget and operate within the approved amounts.
- Collaborates with the production team to develop an accurate crop forecast that reflects future demand.
- Manages inventory risk and product line speculation.
- Supervises employees on a daily basis.
- Provides leadership to the day-to-day operations of the division, while maintaining focus on the strategic goals and company culture.
- Establishes and maintains strong relationships with customers, industry influencers and key industry representatives. Gathers information on competitors, customers, and trends and makes recommendations to take advantage of market opportunities.
- Provides direction for handling cases of product failure, customer complaints and problems by analyzing each situation and coordinating their resolution with the help of the production department.
- Ensure that proper communication, information sharing, and collaboration is achieved within the division.
- Provide input and recommendations for new products and varieties and contributes to their commercialization and acceptance in the marketplace.
- Represent the company to visitors and guests and attends tradeshows, events, customer meetings, and other venues to assist with presenting and promoting the company products.
- Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
- Manage food safety audits

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree / Diploma in Business, Marketing or Horticulture an advantage
- HCCAP / GlobalGap knowledge and experience
- 5+ years of related sales / management experience, preferably in the fresh produce industry.
- 5+ years in a staff supervisory or management position, with a proven ability to manage, develop and mentor staff.
- Excellent command of the English and Afrikaans language.
- Experience with planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Basic knowledge of ERP system
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively present information in formal and informal settings to peers, customers and industry leaders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with strict attention to detail and prioritization.
- Requires good judgment and the ability to positively influence team decision making and operations.
- Able to operate in a multicultural environment and ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
- Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.