Packhouse Manager - Avocado at Bridge Talent Management

Job Summary:

Our client is looking to hire a Packhouse Manager with experience, preferably within fresh produce. The role involves overall day-to-day packing operations and developing new systems and processes to enhance productivity, quality, and innovation. The manager is ultimately responsible for the staff working in their area, health and safety, food safety, legality and quality of goods produced from their area, and overall performance and profitability.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

• Monitor and maintain quality specifications of lines of fruit and vegetables from allocation to production line, through supply to marketer.
• Ensure that all packhouse policies and procedures are adhered to by staff and the production line.
• Through a specified maintenance plan/checklist, ensure that all machinery within the plant is properly maintained and in optimum working order.
• Ensure all health, food, and food safety standards and policies are adhered to.
• Through an understanding of HSE best practices, ensure the safety of yourself and your staff.
• Work with the employment officer to ensure the line is adequately resourced with staff.
• Ensure that all supervisors are properly trained and that they train their respective teams.
• Resolve conflicts and deal with disputes in accordance with company employment and disciplinary codes.
• Build rapport with team leaders and staff on the production line, ensuring open lines of communication.
• Manage the packhouse operations, including all packhouse staff and operations.
• Provide sound leadership and direction in the packhouse to ensure quality product output, accuracy, and consistency in packhouse processes and documentation.
• Provide weekly, monthly, and annual reports to the Operations Manager and Director.
• Build and implement best practice policies and principles.
• Develop and train a team of packhouse staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, business management, or a related field (preferred).
• 5 years of proven experience as a packhouse manager or in a similar managerial role within the agriculture/food production industry.
• Strong understanding of packhouse operations, quality control procedures, and safety regulations.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with inventory management software.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.