Technical Adviser

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

Technical Adviser

Purpose of the role:

To support the Technical Manager by providing technical assistance to clients, growers, and packhouses, ensuring high-quality fresh produce, compliance with food safety standards, and continuous improvement through research and technical projects.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist local and international clients and growers with technical queries, documentation requests, and audit-related matters.
2. Farm and Packhouse Visits: Plan and facilitate client visits to farms, monitor fruit quality, and address packing grade queries.
3. Compile recommendations based on leaf and soil analysis and provide feedback to growers.
4. Residue Sample Management: Collect fruit samples, manage laboratory submissions for MRL testing, and address anomalies.
5. Verify chemical application dates, withholding periods, and ensure grower and packhouse certifications meet export standards.
6. Assisting with checking of fruit quality and packing grade.
7. Analysing and communicating overseas feedback of quality to packhouses and growers.
8. Temperature monitoring and temperature monitor association to shipments.
9. Drawing up newsletters and feedback to growers on various topics through the year.
10. Technical Projects: Develop newsletters, technical articles, posters, and research projects to add value and educate growers.

Education:

1. Minimum 3-year post-matric qualification in Agriculture (BSc Agric – Horticulture) or related field.
2. Additional computer courses are advantageous.

Experience:

1. Minimum 3 years' experience in agricultural practices, preferably with avocados, mangos, and litchis.
2. Experience with food safety standards and accreditation requirements.

Behavioural Competencies:

1. High attention to detail and accuracy.
2. Hardworking, proactive, and reliable.
3. Punctual and professional.
4. Willingness to travel locally and internationally.
5. Ability to work both independently and within a team.
6. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
8. Fully bilingual in Afrikaans and English.
9. Effective time management and organizational skills.
10. Ability to communicate technical information clearly.

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

Closing date for applications will be 28 February 2025

NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 25 March 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.