The position reports to the Commercial Director and is based in Nelspruit.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
- Set and monitor packing and fruit grading standards at packhouses in line with customer requirements.
- Develop and implement operational plans to optimize efficiency and minimize product loss.
- Implement and monitor temperature protocols throughout the logistics chain from packhouse fridges, value-add facilities, inland transport, cold stores and main carriage (sea and air freight).
- Manage the Laboratory team undertaking MRL, maturity and ripening testing and utilise the information to guide the harvesting, packing and supply chain processes.
- Develop forecasting models based on historical data for harvesting and procurement decisions.
- Assess various Accreditation and Regulatory Standards and implement processes to ensure packhouses and growers meet food safety standards and comply with social and environmental standards demanded by the market.
- Analyse QC's and customer claims and disseminate information to affected growers.
- Manage the marine insurance claims process.
- Assess weekly export returns and claims and confirm pricing for account sales.
- Act as Key Account Manager to allocated growers, regarding market reports, regular communication, physical visits and technical guidance.
- Provide ad-hoc support to the packhouse and broader commercial team.
- Understand global market trends (pricing, supply, demand, exchange rate) to give economic steer to team and growers.
- Attend and represent the company at various industry events and functions.
- Play a key role in the Sales and Operations planning meetings to improve Supply Chain optimization.
- Monitor the supply chain: supplier performance, downstream processing and logistics and provide insight to correct quality deviations.
- Supervise inspections where breach of supply chain protocol is evident.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture (Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science), or similar.
- Five years experience at a management level with well-developed leadership skills in fresh produce postharvest management or supply chain management.
- Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
- Effective communication skills to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in using computer software and systems for data management and analysis.
- Knowledge of international trade terms and international multimodal transportations.
- The role may require working extended hours during peak seasons and occasional travel to packhouses or suppliers.
- Experience in the sub-tropical fruit / fresh produce industry is required.
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