Operational Excellence Manager: Packhouses - Africa

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 Fruit Estate, situated in Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced:

Operational Excellence Manager: Packhouses - Africa

Purpose of the role

To drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and operational standardization across all packhouses in Southern Africa. this role ensures consistency in operational performance, financial controls, and compliance with health and safety standards. The incumbent will apply Lean Manufacturing principles, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) methodologies, and strategic policies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and foster best practices within the group. This role acts as a key integrator between individual packhouses and leadership to streamline operations and optimize cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement Lean manufacturing principles and OEE tracking across all packhouses
• Develop and enforce SOPs and KPI tracking systems.
• Monitor cost per kilo, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure budget adherence.
• Ensure ISO 45001 compliance and conduct regular safety audits.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings, train packhouse managers, and align group objectives.
• Develop dashboards, analyze trends, and provide performance updates to HOD.

Education

• Matric
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field

Experience & Knowledge

• 5+ years in an operations or senior management role within FMCG, agriculture, or manufacturing industries.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and performance improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001) and compliance requirements.

• Knowledge of Operational analysis tools and software.
• Understanding of Financial performance tracking and cost management.
• Understanding of Standardized KPI tracking and productivity measurement.
• Ability to develop operational strategies and implement them effectively.

Behavioural Competencies

• Proactive and results-driven mindset
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• High level of adaptability and strategic thinking.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on achieving operational excellence.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on problem-solving and continuous improvement.

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

NB: Should you not receive correspondence 30 April 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.