Packhouse Manager at Farm Managers SA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant qualification or proven experience in pack house management or fresh produce operations.
• Experience with GlobalG.A.P. systems, audits, and traceability (essential or highly advantageous).
• Tech-savvy with experience using online labour or farm management systems (Agrigistics experience highly advantageous).
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.
• Computer literacy and good administrative skills 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

Pack House Operations Management

• Oversee daily pack house operations including receiving, grading, packing, storage, and dispatching fresh produce.
• Plan and manage packing schedules in line with harvest volumes and delivery requirements.
• Ensure efficient workflow, labour utilisation, and use of equipment.
• Monitor productivity and implement improvements where necessary.
• Ensure produce meets market and customer specifications.

 Quality Control, Food Safety & Traceability

• Implement and maintain quality control systems throughout the packing process.
• Ensure strict hygiene and sanitation standards are adhered to.
• Maintain full product traceability from field to dispatch.
• Capture and verify accurate labour and batch data as part of the traceability system.
• Manage non-conformances, corrective actions, and customer complaints.

 GlobalG.A.P. Implementation & Compliance

• Assist with the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of GlobalG.A.P. systems and procedures.
• Ensure pack house compliance with GlobalG.A.P. standards, food safety, and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records required for certification.
• Conduct internal inspections and assist with internal and external audits.
• Address audit findings and corrective actions timeously.

Digital Systems

• Be technically competent and confident using digital systems.
• Use the farm’s online labour management system (Agrigistics) to record attendance, labour hours, work activities, and traceability-linked records.
• Ensure electronic records are accurate, complete, and audit-ready.
• Generate reports to support operational decision-making and compliance.

Staff Management & Training

• Supervise pack house supervisors, team leaders, and general staff.
• Manage staff attendance, discipline, and performance.
• Train staff on packing standards, hygiene, food safety, GlobalG.A.P., and system usage.
• Foster a positive, disciplined, and productive working environment.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety regulations.
• Identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure correct use of PPE and safe operation of machinery.
• Report and investigate incidents or near misses.

Stock, Equipment & Resource Management

• Manage packaging materials, consumables, and cleaning chemicals.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate timely ordering.
• Ensure pack house equipment and facilities are maintained and clean.
• Report faults and coordinate repairs.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate production, quality, labour, and traceability records.
• Compile daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
• Communicate operational updates and challenges to management.
• Ensure all documentation is properly filed and stored according to GlobalG.A.P. requirements.