Production Manager – Fresh Produce

About the Position

Cultura Fresh is seeking an experienced and driven Production Manager – Fresh Produce to lead our packhouse production team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all daily production operations, ensuring customer orders are completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards. This role requires a strong leader with proven experience in the fresh produce industry, excellent people management skills, and a solid understanding of food safety, production planning, and retail customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all daily production activities from receiving through to dispatch.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor daily production schedules.
• Ensure customer orders are produced accurately and delivered on time.
• Allocate labour effectively to meet production requirements.
• Lead, coach and supervise production supervisors, team leaders and operators.
• Monitor production efficiency, labour productivity and product yields.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, Food Safety, Traceability and company procedures.
• Verify that all production documentation is completed accurately and on time.
• Conduct daily floor inspections and GMP audits.
• Work closely with the Quality Department to resolve non-conformances.
• Ensure production equipment is operating efficiently and coordinate maintenance when required.
• Minimise waste, downtime and rework while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare daily production reports and assist with internal and external audits.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Food Technology, Production Management, Operations Management, Agriculture or a related field (preferred).
• HACCP Certification.
• Food Safety training.
• Minimum 3 years' experience as a Production Manager or Senior Production Supervisor within a fresh produce or food manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience working with fresh vegetables, salads and ready-to-eat products.
• Experience supplying major retail customers.
• Experience managing production teams of 50+ employees.
• Experience with production planning and scheduling.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, Food Safety and Traceability systems.
• Experience preparing for customer and third-party audits (SMETA, GlobalG.A.P., FSSC 22000 or similar).
• Computer literate (Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Experience with ERP or production management systems such as FarmTrace, Sage or similar.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is

• A strong and motivating leader.
• Hands-on and willing to work on the production floor.
• Highly organised with excellent planning skills.
• Results-driven and accountable.
• Detail-oriented with high quality standards.
• A confident problem solver and decision-maker.
• Able to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to food safety, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work in a packhouse environment, including high-care and low-care production areas.
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Willing to work weekends and overtime during peak production periods.
• Comfortable working in chilled production environments when required.
• Able to work in a packhouse environment, including high-care and low-care production areas.
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Willing to work weekends and overtime during peak production periods.
• Comfortable working in chilled production environments when required.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Detailed CV.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• Copy of your ID.
• Copy of your driver's licence (if applicable).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R15 000,00 - R20 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Do you currently reside near Klapmuts, or are you willing to relocate or commute daily to the workplace?

Education:

• Diploma (Required)

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 2 years (Required)
• Production Manager or Senior Production Supervisor: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English and Afrikaans (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person