Packhouse Operations Manager

Paarl, South Africa Posted on 10/04/2026

We are seeking a highly experienced Packhouse Operations Manager to provide strategic, operational, and people leadership across our packhouse operations and subsidiaries. This role is critical to ensuring efficient, profitable, and high-quality execution aligned with grower and client requirements.

If you are a results-driven leader with deep experience in the fruit industry and packhouse environments, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

To provide strategic leadership to United Packhouses by planning, managing, and executing packhouse operations in a manner that is operationally efficient, financially sustainable, and aligned with product, grower, and client needs.

• Annual review of systems (Vitrax / NetSuite) and operational procedures
• Identify gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Review staffing requirements aligned to processes

• Manage HR assets within labour legislation and company policies
• Review job descriptions and KPIs
• Annual review of cost and rate structures
• Assist with development and review of annual budgets
• Monthly budget vs actual analysis

• Drive efficiencies across operational, procedural, HR, and financial areas
• Align processes and procedures across multiple packhouse sites

• Annual equipment reviews and upgrade planning in collaboration with Facilities & Equipment Project Manager
• Review site efficiencies and recommend expansions or improvements

• Review packaging materials, usage, and stock control processes
• Manage ordering processes
• Maintain strong relationships with packaging suppliers

• Senior Certificate / Grade 12 (Matric)
• Suitable tertiary qualification in Packhouse or Agricultural disciplines
• Minimum 5 years' relevant working experience
• Proven fruit industry and packhouse management exposure

• Understanding of Business Management Systems and data interpretation
• Process- and procedure-driven with strong problem-solving capability

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong planning, organisational, and analytical ability
• Detail- and results-orientated
• High resilience and effective stress management
• Ability to lead, motivate, and inspire large teams

• Be part of a leading operation in the fruit and packhouse industry
• Play a strategic leadership role with real operational impact
• Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement