
Technical Manager - Post Harvest (Pome)
- Grabouw, Western Cape
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 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
- 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