Packhouse Manager – Fresh Produce / Vegetable Operations Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications Benefits: Accommodation provided Contract: Permanent, full-time The Opportunity This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused Packhouse Manager with a strong background in fresh produce operations, food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and third-party audits. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of vegetable packing operations, ensuring high standards of productivity, product quality, traceability, food safety and operational efficiency. We are particularly interested in candidates with proven experience managing packhouse audits, maintaining recognised food safety certifications and implementing robust quality management systems. Key Responsibilities * Oversee all daily vegetable packhouse operations, including intake, grading, packing, storage and dispatch, ensuring efficient production and high standards of quality. * Manage, lead and develop packhouse supervisors, team leaders and operational staff, driving staff performance and maintaining effective labour planning. * Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, quality assurance, health and safety regulations and relevant legislation. * Lead and coordinate internal and external audits, including BRCGS, Red Tractor, customer and retailer-specific audits, maintaining year-round audit readiness. * Maintain accurate and up-to-date audit documentation, procedures and records, ensuring recognised food safety certifications are maintained. * Implement, manage and continuously improve HACCP-based food safety management systems and robust quality management procedures. * Oversee product traceability, quality control, stock rotation and product recall procedures. * Manage non-conformances, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and continuous improvement initiatives. * Monitor operational KPIs, labour efficiency, packing performance, waste reduction and production costs, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency. * Work closely with growing, harvesting, technical and commercial teams to coordinate product availability and packing schedules. * Ensure effective maintenance and safe operation of packhouse machinery and equipment, including automated grading, weighing, packing and labelling systems. * Drive improvements in operational efficiency, staff performance, product quality and overall packhouse performance. Essential Qualifications & Experience * Minimum Level 3 qualification (NVQ, Diploma or equivalent) in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Management, Food Safety, Agricultural Management or a closely related discipline. * Level 3 HACCP qualification, with proven practical experience implementing and managing HACCP systems. * Level 3 Food Safety in Manufacturing qualification or equivalent, alongside a recognised internal auditing qualification, preferably covering BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety or ISO 22000. * Strong working knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety Standards, audit preparation, certification requirements and corrective action management. * Proven experience successfully managing third-party food safety audits, including BRCGS, Red Tractor or major UK retailer audits. * Significant management experience within a fresh produce or vegetable packhouse environment, with an excellent understanding of product traceability, quality assurance, hygiene standards and food safety legislation. * Demonstrable experience managing production teams, labour planning, operational budgets and performance KPIs. * Strong leadership, communication, organisational and problem-solving skills. Desirable Experience & Qualifications * BRCGS Professional qualification or recognised Lead Auditor certification. * Level 4 Food Safety or HACCP qualification. * Experience with LEAF Marque, GLOBALG.A.P. or retailer-specific technical standards. * Previous experience managing high-volume vegetable grading and packing operations, including knowledge of automated grading, weighing, packing and labelling equipment. * Experience introducing lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement programmes. Salary & Benefits * Competitive salary of up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. * Accommodation provided as part of the employment package. * Permanent, full-time position with a well-established agricultural business. * Opportunity to lead and develop packhouse operations, with long-term career stability and professional development. * Supportive working environment with a strong focus on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement
Vegetable Packhouse Manager in Dundee employer: Talent Agri
Join a well-established commercial poultry business in Berkshire, where you will be part of a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of bird welfare and production. With competitive salary packages and included accommodation, this role offers not only a chance for professional growth but also a meaningful opportunity to make a real impact in the poultry industry. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values responsibility and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vegetable Packhouse Manager in Dundee
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Talent Agri often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Talent Agri does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Agri
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Talent Agri will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Talent Agri.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Talent Agri.
