The position reports to the Commercial Director and is based in Nelspruit.KEY PERFORMANCE AREASSet and monitor packing and fruit grading standards at packhouses in line with customer requirements.Develop and implement operational plans to optimize efficiency and minimize product loss.Implement and monitor temperature protocols throughout the logistics chain from packhouse fridges, value-add facilities, inland transport, cold stores and main carriage (sea and air freight).Manage the Laboratory team undertaking MRL, maturity and ripening testing and utilise the information to guide the harvesting, packing and supply chain processes.Develop forecasting models based on historical data for harvesting and procurement decisions.Assess various Accreditation and Regulatory Standards and implement processes to ensure packhouses and growers meet food safety standards and comply with social and environmental standards demanded by the market.Analyse QC's and customer claims and disseminate information to affected growers.Manage the marine insurance claims process.Assess weekly export returns and claims and confirm pricing for account sales.Act as Key Account Manager to allocated growers, regarding market reports, regular communication, physical visits and technical guidance.Provide ad-hoc support to the packhouse and broader commercial team.Understand global market trends (pricing, supply, demand, exchange rate) to give economic steer to team and growers.Attend and represent the company at various industry events and functions.Play a key role in the Sales and Operations planning meetings to improve Supply Chain optimization.Monitor the supply chain: supplier performance, downstream processing and logistics and provide insight to correct quality deviations.Supervise inspections where breach of supply chain protocol is evident.CANDIDATE PROFILERelevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture (Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science), or similar.Five years experience at a management level with well-developed leadership skills in fresh produce postharvest management or supply chain management.Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.Excellent organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.Effective communication skills to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.Problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.Proficiency in using computer software and systems for data management and analysis.Knowledge of international trade terms and international multimodal transportations.The role may require working extended hours during peak seasons and occasional travel to packhouses or suppliers.Experience in the sub-tropical fruit / fresh produce industry is required.
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