Assistant Packhouse Manager in Somerset

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.

Location of the Job: UK - Somerset

Salary & Benefits Package: £30,000 - £35,000 (depending on experience) Typically 40-45 hours per week, with flexibility required. Accommodation potentially available - to be discussed.

Opportunity to work within a successful and growing fresh produce business.

About the Company: Our client is a successful soft fruit growing and packing business supplying high-quality fruit to UK retailers. During the UK growing season, fruit is produced locally, with additional imports sourced overseas to ensure year-round supply. The business operates a modern packhouse facility with two operational lines and is committed to maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and compliance.

Assistant Packhouse Manager - The Job Role Details: An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Packhouse Manager to support the day-to-day running of packhouse operations. Working closely with the Packhouse Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the site while maintaining the high standards required by retailer and regulatory audits. This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring a proactive individual capable of managing teams, overseeing production, and providing cover for the Packhouse Manager during periods of absence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the daily management of packhouse operations to ensure efficient throughput and quality standards are met.
• Oversee two operational packing lines, ensuring productivity and operational efficiency.
• Supervise and support Quality Controllers (QCs) and Line Leaders.
• Ensure the packhouse operates in line with food safety, compliance, and retailer standards.
• Maintain site readiness for audits including BRCGS, Defra, and retailer audits.
• Assist with staff coordination, workflow planning, and operational troubleshooting.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
• Provide management cover during periods when the Packhouse Manager is unavailable.

Essential Candidate Skills & Experience:

• Experience working in a packhouse, fresh produce, or food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and food safety standards.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage teams within a fast-paced production environment.
• Flexible approach to working hours in line with production schedules.
• Proactive, hands-on attitude with strong problem-solving ability.

Desirable:

• Experience with BRC and retailer audits.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience within a packhouse.
• Understanding of fresh produce supply chains.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40-45 hours per week, with flexibility required depending on production demands.

How to Apply: Please click on the "apply now" button. As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, all applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.

About Us: Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide expert recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services across agriculture, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education sectors across the UK and internationally.