Eastern Cape: Logistics Manager posted by Staff Solutions

Main Purpose of the Role

1. Act as the primary liaison between Contract Packing Producers, internal departments, and exporters, ensuring excellent working relationships and effective information flow.
2. Oversee and manage the Packhouse Logistics function, ensuring smooth coordination between production, packing, and export requirements.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Client Liaison & Coordination

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of picking and delivery plans from Contract Packing Producers, as well as the pack plan from the Production Planner, facilitating effective communication between all parties.
• Understand packhouse constraints, priorities, and the weekly pack plan to support operational decision-making.
• Coordinate and ensure clear communication to Contract Packing Producers and/or exporters regarding:
  • Packing plans
  • Estimated order completion timelines
  • Floor stock levels
  • Half-pallet instructions
  • Packing material stock levels
  • Pack-out information
• Ensure packing instructions are received timeously, all queries are resolved, and details are accurately loaded onto internal systems.
• Ensure label specifications are designed, approved, and uploaded timeously onto internal systems.

Logistics Management

• Develop a strong understanding of productivity measures, including inbound and outbound logistics, to proactively plan and manage logistics programmes.
• Apply a Just-In-Time (JIT) approach to supply and demand to minimise dwell time and control costs.
• Continuously liaise with all role players to ensure warm loads, special requests, and priority targets are achieved within shipping windows.
• Analyse packing instructions and coordinate packing activities according to line setups and market requirements.
• Ensure that rejected and/or repacked fruit is removed or re-entered into systems in line with agreed protocols.
• Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety procedures, as well as BRC and HACCP standards, and take corrective action where deviations occur.
• Effectively manage logistics staff, ensuring full compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Drive skills development and performance improvement within the Logistics department.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong administrative skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines
• Analytical and problem-solving capability, with a strong numerical orientation
• The ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen changes
• Capability to function effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong conflict management skills

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Senior Certificate / Grade 12
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the citrus packing and export environment
• Formal qualification in Logistics or Supply Chain Management (or equivalent) – advantageous
• Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Behavioural Competencies

• Service-orientated mindset
• Strong communication ability
• Complex problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to adapt easily to changing conditions

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Supervisory capability
• Ability to build trust and credibility
• Commitment to contributing to the success of a diverse team