Technical Manager - Post Harvest (Pome)

The successful candidate would be responsible for all Post-Harvest aspects of the product (Apples and Pears), impacting the commercial value of fruit through the value chain.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Key functions would be the management of post-harvest systems and protocol assuring quality and marketability of packed product for our customers
• Collaborate with releveant stakeholders to build and implement technical fruit quality and compliance systems
• Aligning these systems to ensure product quality and compliance according to different customers specifications
• To manage and interpret data on all technical aspects of fruit throughout the system in such a way that allocation of fruit into ideal protocols and regimes are possible
• To assess, develop and adapt these protocols and regimes of post-harvest fruit handling to protecting commercial value fruit throughout the season by maximizing packout and reducing waste
• To put in place systems maximising the quality of packed fresh fruit while reducing quality defects and claims in the market
• Ensure effective, regular communication regarding product requirements, availability, quality and other product information and seasonal trends with all stakeholders and departements
• Assist growers to manage harvest for optimal quality
• Assist with the building of variety optimisation strategies
• Assist with the implementation of the fruit variety seasonal plan.
• Ensure market entry through compliance to relevant food safety and quality standards, as well as special market registrations.
• Liaise with technical consultants when necessary to obtain specialist information for decision-making purposes, analysis of claims to determine fault and act accordingly as well as giving regular feedback thereon
• Daily management of Quality assurance and Quality control teams and employees, monitoring of fruit samples and reporting on deviations found from samples taken

Minimum Requirements Include:

• A BSc-Degree in Horticulture / Food Science (Post-Harvest) or Similar Tertiary Qualifications
• Relevant Training and Experience in Food Safety and Compliance Systems
• At least 5-8 years experience within the fruit & packhouse industry
• Intermediate MS Office skills with advanced Excel
• Data Analytics
• Relevant Training and Experience in Quality and Food Safety Systems
• Good data analytic, problem solving and reporting skils
• Strong understanding of all fruit specifications withing the various client/customer markets
• Ability to influence, delegate, apply good judgement and have sound decision making risk-taking skills
• Resourcefull and innovative in approach
• Strong attention to detail