Graduate Trainee - Packhouse Manager (Fixed-term contract)

Westfalia Fruit, is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Westfalia Fruto Moçambique Lda/Westfalia Fruit, situated between South Africa and Mozambique, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified: Graduate Trainee – Packhouse Manager (FTC)

Requirements

Purpose of the role:

This Graduate Trainee position aims to develop a future Packhouse Manager by providing structured, rotational training across multiple avocado packhouses in South Africa and Mozambique. The successful candidate must be willing and prepared to travel extensively to Everdon (KZN), Estates & TFP (Limpopo), Adelaide (Eastern Cape), and Chimoio (Mozambique) at various stages of the season to gain full exposure to diverse operational environments.

Role will be reporting to the Operations Manager – Packhouses Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

• The trainee will be immersed in all aspects of packhouse operations, including intake management, production planning, line efficiency, quality control, food safety (BRCGS Issue 9), and health & safety compliance (ISO 45001).
• Participate in operational reviews, data-driven performance improvement initiatives, people management exposure, and contribute to continuous improvement projects aligned with group productivity, cost, and compliance objectives.

Education:

• Recently qualified graduate with a National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar field

Experience:

• 1 – 2 years’ experience in similar role or industry (advantageous)
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving ability with an interest in operational optimisation.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently within South Africa and to Mozambique as part of a structured rotational programme.
• Demonstrated eagerness to learn, with exposure to agriculture, packhouse environments, or production systems considered advantageous (but not essential).
• Basic understanding of quality, food safety, or health & safety principles will be beneficial.

Behavioural Competencies:

• High levels of curiosity, initiative, and a proactive approach to learning.
• Strong work ethic, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure in fast-paced, seasonal operational environments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage respectfully with diverse teams on the packhouse floor.
• Demonstrates adaptability and readiness to work in different regions, cultures, and operational setups.
• Collaborative mindset with a positive attitude toward teamwork, continuous improvement, and constructive feedback.
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and professionalism in all work settings.
• A safety-first mindset with respect for operational discipline and standard operating procedures.

Benefits of the program:

This Graduate Programme is a strategic talent-development pathway designed to:

• Develop a high-potential graduate into a confident, capable operational leader with a strong grounding in packhouse excellence.
• Equip the trainee with the technical, analytical, leadership, and people-management skills required to run safe, efficient, and customer-focused packhouse operations across the region.
• Build a deep understanding of our people culture, emphasising teamwork, respect, collaboration, and leading through influence rather than authority.
• Foster a mindset of continuous improvement, curiosity, and resilience by offering exposure to diverse teams, regions, and operational challenges.
• Provide structured mentorship, coaching, and real responsibilities that accelerate professional growth and prepare the graduate for future leadership roles within the business.

Benefits

Closing date for applications will be the 09 December 2025.

Should you not receive correspondence by the 31st of January 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.