Operations Manager (Fruit Cold Storage Facility)

SUMMARY:
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

POSITION INFO:
We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to oversee and manage the overall operations of a fruit cold storage facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of cold storage, warehousing, stock management, fruit handling, dispatch, logistics, and staff operations. This is a senior operational role requiring an individual who can take ownership, make sound decisions, resolve operational challenges, and lead teams effectively with minimal supervision. Extensive experience specifically within a fruit cold storage facility is essential. The successful candidate must be able to hit the ground running, demonstrate a thorough understanding of the industry, and manage operations independently without requiring extensive training. Please note that experience in milk, frozen products, general cold storage, packhouses, or similar industries will not be considered a suitable substitute for direct fruit cold storage experience. Key Responsibilities 1. Overall Operations Management Oversee and manage the daily operations of the fruit cold storage facility, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and compliance with operational standards. Develop, implement, and monitor operational procedures to improve workflow and minimise delays. Coordinate intake, storage, stock movements, order preparation, and dispatch activities. Ensure customer orders are processed accurately and dispatched within required timeframes. Identify operational bottlenecks and implement effective solutions. Ensure the facility operates efficiently while maintaining product quality and customer service standards. Take full accountability for operational performance and ensure issues are resolved promptly. 2. Cold Storage and Fruit Management Oversee cold room operations and ensure appropriate storage conditions are maintained for different fruit varieties. Monitor temperature control, fruit handling, stock rotation, and storage procedures. Ensure fruit is stored, handled, and moved in accordance with product specifications and quality requirements. Monitor cold room capacity and coordinate storage allocation to maximise available space. Ensure pallets are correctly positioned, identified, scanned, and tracked throughout the facility. Investigate and address stock discrepancies, damaged pallets, temperature deviations, and other operational irregularities. Ensure cold rooms and surrounding operational areas are maintained in a clean, safe, and orderly condition. 3. Warehouse, Dispatch and Logistics Manage the movement of fruit from intake through storage to final dispatch. Oversee container scheduling, loading operations, and coordination with transporters and forwarding agents. Ensure containers arrive on schedule and are loaded accurately and efficiently. Verify that the correct fruit, specifications, labels, and documentation accompany each consignment. Monitor dispatch performance and implement measures to improve turnaround times. Ensure scanning systems and stock records accurately reflect pallet locations and movements. Investigate and resolve delays, loading errors, missing pallets, and transport-related challenges. Ensure all relevant dispatch documentation and reports are completed accurately and submitted timeously. 4. Staff Leadership and Performance Management Lead, manage, and motivate operational teams across cold storage, intake, dispatch, loading, forklift operations, and scanning. Allocate responsibilities and ensure clear communication of operational priorities. Monitor productivity, attendance, performance, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Ensure appropriate staffing levels and shift arrangements to meet operational requirements. Address performance issues, implement corrective measures, and maintain workplace discipline. Identify training requirements and ensure employees understand their duties and responsibilities. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement. 5. Quality Assurance and Compliance Ensure compliance with relevant fruit handling, cold storage, food safety, and quality control requirements. Oversee preparations for PPECB inspections and re-inspections, ensuring all documentation and fruit are ready as required. Ensure inspection procedures are followed and inspected products are returned to their correct storage locations. Monitor adherence to customer specifications and export-related requirements. Investigate quality concerns, product damage, and operational non-conformances, implementing corrective action where necessary. Maintain accurate operational records and ensure traceability of stock and consignments. 6. Operational Planning and Reporting Monitor key operational performance indicators, including productivity, stock accuracy, dispatch efficiency, and staff performance. Review operational reports and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and cost efficiency. Manage operational resources effectively, including labour, equipment, storage space, and transport coordination. Ensure equipment and infrastructure issues are reported and resolved promptly. Liaise with senior management regarding operational performance, challenges, and improvement initiatives. Provide regular updates and reports on operational activities and performance. Minimum Requirements Proven experience in an Operations Management role within a fruit cold storage facility is essential. A strong, practical understanding of fruit cold storage operations, including intake, storage, stock movements, temperature control, and dispatch. Demonstrable experience managing large operational teams in a fast-paced environment. Strong knowledge of fruit handling procedures, pallet management, container loading, and dispatch coordination. Experience with stock control systems, scanning processes, and operational reporting. Knowledge of PPECB inspections and fruit export requirements will be advantageous. Excellent leadership, planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to make decisions independently and manage operational challenges with minimal supervision. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. A hands-on management approach with the ability to take immediate ownership of the operation. Key Competencies Strategic and operational leadership Strong decision-making and problem-solving Staff management and accountability Operational planning and workflow optimisation Attention to detail and quality control Time management and deadline-driven execution Cost awareness and resource management Ability to perform under pressure Salary Highly negotiable , based on relevant experience, operational expertise, and suitability for the role. If you have substantial operational management experience specifically within a fruit cold storage facility and can confidently take ownership of a demanding operation from day one, we invite you to submit your CV for consideration.