Packhouse Manager - Soft Fruit

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Are you a hands-on and ambitious packhouse professional ready to step into a leadership role?
Do you have experience in fresh produce packing, team management, and quality control?
Are you looking for a rewarding, long-term career with a leading soft fruit business?

Location of the Job:
Herefordshire

Salary and Benefits Package:

Competitive salary upwards of 40,000 (depending on experience)
Accommodation available for the right candidate
Permanent, full-time position
Opportunities for professional development and progression

Additional Information:
This role would suit candidates currently working as a Packhouse Supervisor or Assistant Packhouse Manager who are looking for the next step in their career.

About the Company:
Our client is a dynamic, quality-driven soft fruit producer supplying raspberries and blueberries to major UK supermarkets and specialist wholesalers. Each year they pack over 500 tonnes of fruit on-site using a modern, high-spec line and employ over 200 seasonal staff during peak season. This is a fast-paced, evolving business offering long-term opportunity in a supportive team environment.

Packhouse Manager - The Job Role Details:
You will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the packhouse, overseeing operations, staffing, compliance, and product quality from April to November. You will lead and motivate a team of scale operators, end-of-line staff, cold store operatives, and QCs, ensuring the safe, efficient, and accurate packing of fruit to retail standards.

Packhouse Manager - Key Responsibilities:

Manage all packhouse operations and lead a core seasonal team
Operate and troubleshoot equipment (Marco scales, checkweighers, metal detectors, Proseal heat sealer)
Ensure product quality and consistency in line with customer specifications
Maintain accurate stock records and manage packaging material orders
Coordinate packhouse labour planning and shift rotas
Train, motivate, and support staff to maintain high performance
Lead and prepare for supermarket and industry audits, with supporting documentation
Uphold all health & safety, food safety, and hygiene standards
Communicate effectively with other departments including field, cold store, and logistics teams

Packhouse Manager - Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:
You will have/be:

Previous experience in a packhouse or food production environment
A confident and proactive leader with excellent communication skills
Hands-on, technically capable, and able to troubleshoot machinery
Experience in working to retailer standards and preparing for audits
Organised, adaptable, and calm under pressure
A self-starter with strong attention to detail
Willing to work extended hours and weekends during peak season

How to Apply:
Please click on the "apply now" button or email your CV

The Industry (Key Words):
Packhouse Manager, Packhouse Supervisor, Fresh Produce, Fruit Packing, Soft Fruit, Food Production, Team Leadership, Quality Control, Audit Compliance, FMCG, Agriculture, Seasonal Labour Management.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Be assured that your application will be managed in complete confidence, and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission.

About Us: Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide outstanding recruitment head-hunting and job advertising services. We are the trusted recruitment partner of choice to industry-leading organisations across the UK and internationally. We recruit specifically for all roles within the sectors of agriculture, farming, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education.