Vegetable Packhouse Manager

About the role

A well-established commercial horticultural operation in Limpopo, focused on efficiency, sustainability, food safety compliance and consistent product quality, is looking for a Vegetable Packhouse Manager. The role oversees and optimises all daily operations of the fresh produce processing facility, bridging agricultural production and the final supply chain so that vegetables are received, graded, packed and dispatched efficiently while meeting quality and food safety standards for local markets and retailers. The position reports to the owner.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end packhouse process: intake, sorting, grading, packing, storage and dispatch, and plan packing schedules according to harvest volumes, crop cycles and delivery timelines.
• Monitor line speeds and labour use to maximise output and minimise waste and downtime; manage temperature controls, cold stores and post-harvest cooling to extend shelf life.
• Maintain compliance with international food safety and hygiene protocols such as GlobalG.A.P., lead internal audits, prepare documentation for external inspections and ensure 100% batch traceability from farm to client.
• Supervise permanent and seasonal floor workers, supervisors and line leaders, train them on hygiene and safety, and manage shifts, attendance and performance reviews with HR.
• Keep stock of packaging materials, chemicals and consumables at optimal levels and coordinate maintenance of sizers, conveyor lines and heavy machinery.

Required profile

• 3 to 5+ years of management or supervisory experience in a fresh produce packhouse (vegetable processing preferred).
• Degree or diploma in Agriculture, Food Science or Production Management is advantageous.
• Formal training in HACCP, FSSC 22000 or GlobalG.A.P. is highly advantageous.
• Full-time position; willing to work extended hours during peak harvest seasons.

Required skills

• Post-harvest crop husbandry, vegetable processing techniques and cold chain logistics.
• Ability to make fast, calculated decisions in a high-volume, high-pressure environment.
• Strong communication skills to link growers, packing staff and commercial clients.