Technical & Quality Manager

Reference: 10603 MLR
Consultant: Michelle le Roux 

Job Description: 

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality assurance systems across all produce lines;
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations, certifications (e.g., Global G.A.P., BRC, HACCP), and customer specific standards;
• Oversee and manage all product inspections, customer-specific standards, cold chain integrity, packaging standards including labelling, and post-harvest handling protocols;
• Ensure Packhouses have the correct packaging and labels;
• Lead customer audits and visits, managing non-conformances and corrective actions proactively;
• Oversee customer audits requirements and renewal of specifications and MRL Levels/Legislation;
• Monitor the timing of supplier residue analysis and analise results to fall within requirement of target market weekly;
• Weekly analysis of customer quality data and compilation of grower annual review report;
• Full quality data management on customer reports:
  • Analysis and evaluation
  • Distribution and good record keeping of information
  • Follow-up communication
  • Assistance with claim evaluations and quantification
  • Temperature download analysis
  • Continuous populating of weekly arrival reports for communication to growers
• Analyse all relevant data such as:
  • Farms (quantity and quality)
  • Varieties
  • The cold chain
  • Packaging
  • Transit time
  • Arrival quality
  • Pullout quantities
  • Packing and resorting quantities;
  • Quality and management (controlables) related claims.
• Collection of historical data from producer;
• Ensure alignment of marketing plans, preparation, and farm quality with standards, covering:
  • Pruning practices
  • Canopy management
  • Harvest control
  • Color treatment
  • Harvest preparation & process
  • Post-harvest treatment
• Identify and explore new opportunities, varieties, and trials
• Conduct research and recommend new block/variety establishment
• Assess farm blocks to identify challenges and opportunities
• Classify blocks based on quality—identifying those with issues for specific markets and those with premium potential for high-value markets. 
• Packaging Management
• People Management
• Customer & Supplier Interface
• Strategic & Operational Responsibilities
• Internal Audits

Qualifications: 

• Tertiary qualification in Agriculture (Degree or Diploma)
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in fruit industry and farming
• Fresh product knowledge (Included but not limited: Table grape, citrus, blueberry , tomatoes, peppers and onion)
• Understanding the dynamics and interaction of fruit production, packaging, supply chain and marketing
• Knowledge of Paltrack, Dipar or QX system will be advantageous.

How to Apply: 

• Email your comprehensive CV to exceedhr@exceed.co.za. 

• If you are already registered, please forward your CV and the relevant reference number to the consultant with whom you are currently registered in order to avoid duplicity on our system. 

• We reserve the right to only conduct interviews with candidates of choice. 

• Applicants who have not received feedback within 30 days from the closing date must please accept their application as unsuccessful. 

 

Submit CV

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