Packhouse Production Manager

1 week ago

Paarl, South Africa Six33 Full time

**Position Overview**: The Blueberry Packhouse Production Manager will oversee packhouse operations to ensure efficient and high-quality packing of blueberries for export and the successful distribution thereof. This role requires managing staff, optimizing production processes, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with quality and food safety standards, and overseeing peak-season operations, which may include up to six weeks of night shifts alternative weekly (one week night, next week day etc.), working up to 12-hour shifts, and managing up to 90 people per shift.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Packhouse Operations & Production Management**
- Manage and optimize multiple pack lines, ensuring correct setup and adjustments.
- Ensure accurate records of processes, including storage and loading of pallets.
- Oversee production planning and execution, aiming for a 48-hour turnaround for raw stock.
- Maintain packhouse temperatures according to protocols and ensure proper cooling of picked and packed pallets.
- Ensure all PPECB inspections are completed for export pallets.

**2. Quality & Compliance**
- Maintain strict quality control (QC) standards for all packed orders, according to various customer specifications.
- Use QC data to make informed decisions about fruit allocation to orders.
- Immediately report out-of-specification products to the Packhouse and Quality Manager.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety standards.
- Maintain a clean and organized packhouse throughout the season.

**3. Equipment & Maintenance**
- Perform pre-season maintenance on pack lines.
- Oversee preventative maintenance and cleaning of sorting and packing lines.
- Ensure cooling equipment is running efficiently with daily checklists completed.
- Manage spare parts inventory to reduce downtime.
- Perform scheduled maintenance tasks on packhouse equipment and buildings.
- Log activities and timesheets for maintenance tasks.

**4. People & Shift Management**
- Effectively manage all staff on a shift (up to 90 people per shift in peak season).
- Ensure staff adhere to SOPs, operational procedures, and company regulations.
- Report any HR issues to the HR Manager and seek assistance when needed.
- Manage employee timekeeping and productivity.
- Create a collaborative, motivated, and high-performance team culture.

**5. Systems & Reporting**
- Manage the packhouse system from receiving to dispatch.
- Monitor cold room conditions daily and report any system errors immediately.
- Ensure accurate documentation of all processes.

**Essential**:

- 5+ years experience in a packhouse production environment (blueberries or other soft fruits preferred).
- Strong mechanical knowledge of optical sorters and packlines (ie. BBC or Weco), including maintenance.
- Experience managing large teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work up to 12-hour night shifts during peak season.
- Knowledge of blueberry packing requirements for export markets.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

**Preferred**:

- Experience with PPECB inspections and compliance.
- Understanding of quality control and food safety standards.
- Proficiency in packhouse software and reporting systems.

Pay: R250 000,00 - R350 000,00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 2025/05/30
Expected Start Date: 2025/07/01

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