Production Shift Manager | Fruit Packhouse | Villiersdorp
Helderberg Personnel · Villiersdorp, Western Cape
Overview
Lead a fruit packing shift in the beautiful Villiersdorp area. This role is perfect for someone with packhouse or FMCG production experience who enjoys keeping lines running smoothly and hitting targets. You will manage supervisors and line managers, monitor quality and KPIs, and make sure apples and pears are packed to market standards. If you have a tertiary qualification in operations and 3 to 5 years in fresh produce, this permanent role with a leading deciduous fruit producer could be your next step.
About the role
Our client, a leading producer of deciduous fruit for local and international markets, is looking for a Production Shift Manager to join their team in the Villiersdorp area. This is a permanent, full time role.
As Production Shift Manager, you will oversee the Line Managers and Supervisors on your shift, making sure packing lines run efficiently and meet the specific pack plans assigned for that shift. You will be hands on with quality checks, managing downtime, allocating wage staff, and reporting on shift KPIs.
Key duties include:
- Manage Line Managers and Supervisors per shift to implement packing programmes and meet production targets.
- Review packing lines against the packing programme and report deviations to the Production Manager.
- Ensure fruit is packed according to correct market requirements and standards.
- Coordinate bins and packing material for packing lines.
- Track and report on shift KPIs (kg packed per line, pack out %, downtime) and take corrective action on underperforming lines.
- Minimise production and pack line downtime, escalating recurring mechanical or resourcing issues.
- Conduct continual quality inspections throughout the day according to packing programme.
- Receive and analyse quality reports and coordinate adjustments to packing when appropriate.
- Check sizes and weights of fruit and adjust diameter if necessary.
- Manage allocation of wage staff across lines in line with pack plan and labour availability, adjusting for absenteeism and throughput changes.
- Assist with relevant administration and reporting for audit purposes.
- Ensure adherence to health and safety standards.
- Manage BRCGS and relevant quality standards and procedures.
Requirements
- Tertiary qualification or relevant training in operations.
- Minimum 3 to 5 years experience in a fresh produce packhouse or FMCG production environment.
- At least 2 to 3 years in a Junior Management role.
- In depth knowledge of production and quality of fruit (apples and pears).
- Experience managing a team through Line Managers and Supervisors.
- Sound computer knowledge including Vitrax and MS Office.
Responsibilities
- Manage Line Managers and Supervisors per shift to implement packing programmes and meet production targets.
- Review packing lines against the packing programme and report deviations to the Production Manager.
- Ensure fruit is packed according to correct market requirements and standards.
- Coordinate bins and packing material for packing lines.
- Track and report on shift KPIs (kg packed per line, pack out %, downtime) and take corrective action on underperforming lines.
- Minimise production and pack line downtime, escalating recurring mechanical or resourcing issues.
- Conduct continual quality inspections throughout the day according to packing programme.
- Receive and analyse quality reports and coordinate adjustments to packing when appropriate.
- Check sizes and weights of fruit and adjust diameter if necessary.
- Manage the allocation of wage staff across lines in line with pack plan and labour availability, adjusting for absenteeism and throughput changes during the shift.
- Assist with relevant administration and reporting for audit purposes.
- Ensure adherence to health and safety standards.
- Manage BRCGS and relevant quality standards and procedures.
Job details
- Organisation
- Helderberg Personnel
- Location
- Villiersdorp, Western Cape
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid (3+ years)
- Education
- Diploma
- Category
- Manufacturing & Production
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
Hi there! If you are applying for this Production Shift Manager role, make sure your CV clearly shows your experience in a packhouse or FMCG production environment, especially any time you spent managing supervisors or line managers. The team will want to see that you understand fruit quality, pack plans, and KPIs like pack out percentage and downtime. Since this is a shift role, be ready to talk about how you handle pressure, staff absenteeism, and keeping lines running. It also helps to mention any experience with BRCGS or health and safety standards. Tailor your application to highlight your hands on approach and your ability to lead a shift team. Good luck!
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