SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
The Section Manager
Job Summary
The Section Manager at our fruit cold storage facility is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operations of the facility, ensuring the preservation of fruit quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills to manage a diverse team, optimize processes, and maintain a seamless cold chain for perishable goods. The Section Manager will drive operational excellence, foster a culture of safety and accountability, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to meet organizational objectives and deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Oversee the entire workflow of fruit handling, including receiving, inspection, sorting, grading, packing, storage, and dispatch, ensuring all processes align with cold chain requirements to maintain fruit freshness and quality.
- Monitor and maintain optimal storage conditions (temperature, humidity, and ethylene levels) for various fruit types (e.g., citrus, apples) to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
- Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all operational activities, ensuring consistency and efficiency across shifts.
- Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure timely loading and unloading of transport vehicles, minimizing delays and maintaining cold chain integrity.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, train, and supervise a team of employees, including warehouse supervisors, refrigeration technicians, inventory clerks, forklift operators, and general workers.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and implement development plans to enhance team skills and productivity.
- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork, safety awareness, and adherence to company values.
- Schedule staff shifts and manage labour/staff allocation to ensure adequate coverage during peak seasons and high-demand periods.
Inventory and Resource Management
- Implement robust inventory control systems to track fruit stock levels, monitor shelf life, and reduce waste due to overstocking or spoilage.
- Utilize inventory management software (e.g., SAP, WMS, or similar) to maintain accurate records and generate real-time reports on stock movements.
- Manage operational budgets, including labour, equipment maintenance, and utilities, to optimize costs while maintaining high operational standards.
- Oversee the procurement of supplies, such as packaging materials and cleaning agents, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.
Compliance and Safety
- Ensure compliance with local and international food safety regulations, including HACCP, FDA, USDA, or equivalent standards, conducting regular audits to maintain certifications.
- Implement and enforce occupational health and safety (OHS) protocols, ensuring all staff are trained in safe handling practices, equipment operation, and emergency procedures.
- Monitor environmental compliance, including proper disposal of waste and management of refrigerants in accordance with EPA or local regulations.
- Conduct regular safety drills and maintain up-to-date records for regulatory inspections.
Equipment and Facility Maintenance
- Oversee the maintenance, repair, and calibration of refrigeration systems, cooling units, and other critical equipment to ensure continuous operation and prevent downtime.
- Coordinate with external vendors for major repairs and ensure all equipment meets industry standards for energy efficiency and performance.
- Maintain a clean and organized facility, implementing sanitation schedules to meet food safety requirements and prevent contamination.
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with quality control teams to conduct regular inspections of fruit quality, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.
- Implement lean management principles and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order fulfilment rates, inventory accuracy, and downtime to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and third-party logistics providers to ensure smooth coordination and timely delivery.
- Address customer inquiries and complaints promptly, working to resolve issues related to product quality or delivery schedules.
- Partner with the sales and marketing teams to forecast demand and plan inventory levels for seasonal fluctuations.
Reporting and Data Analysis
- Prepare detailed operational reports, including production metrics, labour efficiency, and budget performance, for senior management review.
- Utilize data analytics to monitor trends, predict operational challenges, and propose solutions to enhance performance.
- Present findings and recommendations during management meetings to align operations with strategic business goals.
