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Technical Manager - Post Harvest (Pome)

Western Cape
Salary: Market Related
Job Type: Permanent
Sectors: Agriculture
Reference: SW005819/AM

Apply before Jan 23 2026 | 41 Days left

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Vacancy Details

Employer: Helderberg Personnel cc

An established concern located in the EGVV region, who is actively involved in the packing of deciduous fruit for both local and international markets, is seeking to employ a Technical Manager - Post Harvest (Pome Fruit) to join their team.

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

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About Helderberg Personnel cc

Based in Somerset West, Helderberg Personnel was established in 1998. The company initially started doing placements in the Helderberg Basin and over the years expanded nationally. Our background has proved to be invaluable in providing a high standard of recruitment, screening, evaluation and placement of candidates.

Our Value proposition:
The true value proposition of the Helderberg Personnel brand is our commitment to attending to our clients’ needs, culture and values and to ensure that, through comprehensive interviews with candidates, the overall match is determined to ensure a long term relationship. The identity of the client remains confidential at all times. We understand that our function is to ensure that the candidate must become a strategic partner to a business instead of a mere employee. Helderberg Personnel has achieved a steady growth over the last years and we have evolved into one of the leading agencies in the region. We have made placements cross functional, cross industry and up to senior management level.