PACKHOUSE QUALITY & PLANNING COORDINATOR

SUMMARY:

Verdun Estates is a producer and packer of premium stone fruit and pome fruit for local and international markets.  We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and hands-on professional to join their Packhouse Management Team in Prince Alfred Hamlet near Ceres.  
 
Reporting directly to the Packhouse Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing quality systems, packing programmes, traceability, compliance and packhouse administration while ensuring that customer requirements and export standards are consistently met.    This role serves as a key link between local and international customers, production teams and packhouse operations, requiring strong communication skills, sound planning ability and active involvement in day-to-day packhouse activities.

POSITION INFO:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Packhouse Systems & Administration

• Overhead manage the Vitrax packhouse system and team
• Maintain accurate stock control of finished packed product
• Oversee labelling and traceability systems

• Manage packing orders and programmes from start to finish
• Coordinate fruit allocation according to customer and market specifications
• Ensure compliance with special market and export requirements

• Ensure phytosanitary compliance and adherence to export standards
• Conduct positive release processes, including MRL and phytosanitary verification
• Manage product traceability, mock recalls and non-conforming product procedures
• Ensure regulatory compliance and product quality standards are maintained

• Monitor and improve packhouse and packing line performance
• Minimise waste and maximise pack-out efficiency
• Support defect sorting systems and process optimisation initiatives
• Utilise data and reporting to support operational decision-making

• Liaise with Production Managers, Packhouse Teams, Marketing and International Clients
• Prepare and communicate quality reports
• Conduct off-season farm audits, including GlobalG.A.P. and SIZA Environmental audits

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Food Technology, Quality Management or a related field will be advantageous
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience within a fruit packhouse, agricultural or fresh produce environment
• Sound knowledge of quality systems, phytosanitary requirements and export protocols
• Experience working with Vitrax or similar packhouse management systems
• Experience with BI/Qlik Sense reporting will be advantageous
• Strong computer literacy and analytical skills
• Valid driver's licence

• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Hands-on and practical approach
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build relationships with both local and international stakeholders