Key Responsibilities

• Manage the receiving, inspection, storage, stock control and dispatch of fruit, ensuring product quality and maintaining the cold chain.
• Lead, supervise and develop operational teams, including supervisors, warehouse personnel and forklift operators.
• Monitor inventory levels, stock movements, product shelf life and stock accuracy to minimise waste and fruit spoilage.
• Control operational expenditure, allocate labour and resources, and oversee the purchasing of operational supplies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety regulations, as well as company procedures.
• Coordinate the maintenance of cold storage facilities and refrigeration systems with maintenance teams and external service providers.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance productivity, control costs and minimise downtime.
• Track operational performance indicators, assess results and compile reports for senior management.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and logistics providers to ensure efficient deliveries and resolve operational challenges.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised facility, ensuring operational readiness during peak seasonal periods.

Minimum Requirements and Skills

• Demonstrated experience in operations management, preferably within fruit cold storage, warehousing, logistics or the perishable goods sector.
• Good knowledge of cold chain management, fruit storage conditions and inventory control practices.
• Strong leadership, team management and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of food safety, quality control and occupational health and safety requirements.
• Experience using inventory management systems, such as WMS or SAP, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent organisational, communication, analytical and reporting abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.