Operations Manager - Guacamole Plant

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 #avo experts 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 Fruit Estates, situated in Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced: Operations Manager – Guacamole Plant

Requirements

Purpose of the role:

The Operations Manager oversees all fruit processing operations, ensuring Health and Safety compliance, efficient fruit procurement, and effective production planning. They manage dry material stores, monitor the production process, and uphold quality control and assurance standards. Responsible for leading subordinate staff, the manager drives operational efficiency while maintaining high product quality. Additionally, they oversee the financial performance of the Plant, implementing strategies to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and achieve overall business objectives in a safe, compliant, and well-organized environment

 Key Responsibilities:

Production Management

• Oversee end-to-end production operations by managing daily processing activities, coordinating avocado receiving and ripening, ensuring adequate staffing and resources, and maintaining reliable equipment performance through proactive maintenance coordination.
• Ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant production output by implementing production plans, monitoring processing parameters, enforcing SOPs, GMPs, and food safety standards, and minimizing fruit waste through optimized handling and process controls.
• Drive performance improvement through data-based decision making by tracking production metrics, identifying bottlenecks and variances, initiating corrective actions, and continuously improving operational efficiency, product consistency, and throughput.

Finance Management

• Oversee budget planning, cost control, and financial reporting by developing and managing the plant’s annual operating budget, monitoring expenditures, validating financial records, and conducting variance analyses to ensure alignment with operational targets and business objectives.
• Optimize operational costs and financial performance by analysing production cost drivers (raw materials, labour, utilities, packaging), managing yield and waste levels, and implementing cost-saving and efficiency improvement initiatives to enhance profitability.
• Strengthen financial sustainability through effective procurement and working capital management by negotiating competitive supplier pricing, managing inventory valuation and stock levels, improving cash flow, and providing strategic financial insights for capital investments and operational improvements.

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Procurement Planning and Supplier Management: Plan, source, and manage procurement of avocados, ingredients, packaging, and other materials while maintaining strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Inventory Control and Warehousing: Optimize inventory levels through accurate forecasting, stock rotation (FIFO/LIFO), periodic audits, and efficient warehouse and cold storage management to minimize waste, spoilage, and excess stock.
• Supply Chain Performance and Risk Management: Monitor supply chain KPIs, coordinate logistics and distribution, and proactively identify and mitigate risks to ensure consistent production flow and timely product delivery.

Food Safety and Quality Management

• Develop and Maintain Quality Systems: Implement, monitor, and continuously improve quality management systems (HACCP, GMP, ISO, FSSC) to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, SOPs, and customer specifications throughout all stages of production.
• Ensure Product Quality and Compliance: Oversee inspections, laboratory testing, in-process and finished product checks, supplier quality, and corrective actions (CAPA) to maintain consistent guacamole taste, texture, colour, shelf life, and overall product integrity.
• Drive Continuous Improvement and Training: Lead quality improvement initiatives, mentor and train production and QC staff, and maintain accurate quality documentation and reports to enhance product standards, reduce defects, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Environmental Health & Safety Management

• Develop and Maintain EHS Systems and Compliance: Establish, implement, and continuously improve EHS policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance with local regulations, international standards, and environmental requirements.
• Ensure Workplace Safety and Risk Management: Conduct risk assessments, audits, inspections, and incident investigations; implement corrective and preventive actions; and promote a safety culture to prevent accidents and reduce workplace hazards.
• Drive Environmental Sustainability and Continuous Improvement: Monitor environmental performance (waste, energy, water, emissions), lead improvement initiatives, maintain accurate EHS records, and coordinate with regulatory authorities to enhance sustainability and reduce operational risks.

People leadership & Performance Management

• Leadership, Mentoring, and Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop plant supervisors and staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development for succession planning.
• Performance Management and Workforce Planning: Set objectives, conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, identify training needs, and ensure adequate staffing through recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning aligned with operational goals.
• Employee Engagement, Compliance, and Conflict Resolution: Promote engagement and motivation, address grievances and disciplinary matters fairly, and ensure adherence to labour laws, company policies, and ethical practices across all HR activities.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Food Science, Agriculture, Engineering, or a related field
• Master’s degree would be advantageous

Experience:

• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in manufacturing or food processing operations, preferably within fruit or FMCG industries.
• Proven experience in production planning, procurement, and inventory management.
• Strong understanding of Health and Safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in quality control and assurance systems.
• Solid financial and budget management experience.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficient in production monitoring systems, ERP software, and MS Office.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making abilities

• Strong knowledge of fruit processing operations, production workflows, and manufacturing best practices.
• In-depth understanding of Health and Safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of quality control, food safety systems, and compliance

Behavioural Competencies:

• Understanding of procurement processes, supply chain management, and inventory control.
• Skilled in production planning, resource allocation, and process optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, people management, and team-building abilities.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet production deadlines.

• Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset with a strong drive for continuous improvement.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Positive attitude with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Adaptable and flexible in responding to changing operational demands.
• Calm and composed under pressure, especially during peak production periods.
• Detail-focused with a commitment to accuracy and consistency.
• Collaborative and supportive, fostering a culture of teamwork and respect
• Decisive and confident in making timely, informed decisions.

• Open to feedback and committed to personal and team development

Benefits

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 12 December 2025.

NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 31 January 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.