Grabouw: Technical Manager – Post Harvest (Pome)

The successful candidate would be responsible for all Post-Harvest aspects of the product (Apples and Pears), impacting the commercial value of fruit through the value chain. Duties and Responsibilities Include: Key functions would be the management of post-harvest systems and protocol assuring quality and marketability of packed product for our customers Collaborate with releveant stakeholders to build and implement technical fruit quality and compliance systems Aligning these systems to ensure product quality and compliance according to different customers specifications To manage and interpret data on all technical aspects of fruit throughout the system in such a way that allocation of fruit into ideal protocols and regimes are possible To assess, develop and adapt these protocols and regimes of post-harvest fruit handling to protecting commercial value fruit throughout the season by maximizing packout and reducing waste To put in place systems maximising the quality of packed fresh fruit while reducing quality defects and claims in the market Ensure effective, regular communication regarding product requirements, availability, quality and other product information and seasonal trends with all stakeholders and departements Assist growers to manage harvest for optimal quality Assist with the building of variety optimisation strategies Assist with the implementation of the fruit variety seasonal plan. Ensure market entry through compliance to relevant food safety and quality standards, as well as special market registrations. Liaise with technical consultants when necessary to obtain specialist information for decision-making purposes, analysis of claims to determine fault and act accordingly as well as giving regular feedback thereon Daily management of Quality assurance and Quality control teams and employees, monitoring of fruit samples and reporting on deviations found from samples taken Minimum Requirements Include: A BSc-Degree in Horticulture / Food Science (Post-Harvest) or Similar Tertiary Qualifications Relevant Training and Experience in Food Safety and Compliance Systems At least 5-8 years experience within the fruit & packhouse industry Intermediate MS Office skills with advanced Excel Data Analytics Relevant Training and Experience in Quality and Food Safety Systems Good data analytic, problem solving and reporting skils Strong understanding of all fruit specifications withing the various client/customer markets Ability to influence, delegate, apply good judgement and have sound decision making risk-taking skills Resourcefull and innovative in approach Strong attention to detail