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22 hours ago
Selebi Phikwe Citrus is looking for an experienced Citrus Packhouse Manager to take responsibility for the daily performance of the packhouse. This is a hands-on leadership role covering fruit processing, packing quality, people, equipment, cold-chain coordination, logistics and cost control. The successful candidate will ensure that fruit is packed safely, efficiently and to the required local and export standards, while protecting product quality, reducing waste and supporting a profitable operation.
Job Summary
- Employer: Selebi Phikwe Citrus
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-10-05
Key Responsibilities
- Operations and production Plan and manage daily intake, line capacity, grading, sizing, packing programmes and dispatch. Achieve throughput, packout, quality and productivity targets while reducing fruit damage, rework and post-harvest waste.
- Quality assurance and compliance Maintain food-safety, hygiene, traceability and audit systems. Ensure compliance with phytosanitary protocols, residue and chemical-application requirements, customer specifications and applicable certification standards, including GLOBALG.A.P. and BRCGS.
- Cold chain and logistics Oversee degreening, pre-cooling and cold-room management; monitor pulp temperatures; coordinate loading, dispatch schedules, transport and the accurate completion of export documentation.
- People leadership Lead line supervisors, quality teams, floor operators and seasonal employees. Plan labour requirements, set productivity standards, train and develop employees, manage performance and maintain disciplined workplace health and safety practices.
- Maintenance and technical management Coordinate preventive maintenance and rapid breakdown response for sorting and grading machinery, optical sizers, chemical-application systems, conveyors and packing-line equipment to minimise downtime.
- Financial and administrative management Manage the packhouse operating budget, labour and packaging costs, and inventories of cartons, pallets, labels and consumables. Maintain accurate records and report agreed production, quality, waste, downtime, labour and cost KPIs to the Operational Manager.
- Continuous improvement Use production and quality data to identify constraints, investigate variances and implement practical improvements in packout, throughput, fruit quality, labour productivity, equipment utilisation and cost per carton.
Requirements
- Education A relevant degree or diploma in Agriculture, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Production Management or a related field.
- Experience At least five years’ substantial experience in citrus packing operations, including a minimum of two to three years in a packhouse management role.
- Packhouse operations Proven experience in production planning, fruit intake, grading, packing, packout optimisation, cold-chain control, dispatch and local and export packing programmes.
- Quality and compliance Strong practical knowledge of fruit quality, food safety, hygiene, traceability, phytosanitary and market-specific export requirements, and audit preparation. Working knowledge of GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS and related customer standards is required.
- Technology and systems Experience with optical fruit sorting and grading equipment, such as MAF Roda or Gossamer, and packhouse or ERP systems, such as Paltrack, or comparable technologies.
- Commercial management Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, labour, packaging materials, productivity, waste and operating costs using accurate production information.
How to Apply
Apply by email: bitc@sphikwecitrus.com
Phone: +267 75 388 980
Address: Selebi Phikwe, Botswana
Phone: +267 75 388 980
Address: Selebi Phikwe, Botswana
About the Company
Selebi Phikwe Citrus (Pty) Ltd is a prominent agricultural enterprise based in the Selebi Phikwe region of Botswana. The company specialises in the large-scale cultivation and production of various citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and soft citrus varieties, across extensive orchards. As a key strategic project, it plays a vital role in Botswana's national strategy for economic diversification, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional sectors and create sustainable employment. Its operations are instrumental in developing a robust agricultural sector, contributing significantly to national food security and positioning Botswana as a potential exporter of high-quality citrus products. Supported by local economic initiatives, Selebi Phikwe Citrus is a driving force behind regional economic revitalization and job creation for communities in the Selebi Phikwe area.
Cultivating premium citrus and fostering agricultural growth in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Citrus Packhouse Manager in Botswana?
Most employers require a diploma or degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Agricultural Management from institutions like Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Practical experience in citrus handling, grading, and packhouse operations is highly valued. Certifications in food safety standards such as HACCP or GlobalGAP are increasingly important for export-oriented operations.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Citrus Packhouse Manager?
You will oversee fruit receiving, quality grading, packing line operations, and cold storage management to ensure export standards are met. Daily tasks include supervising staff, coordinating with farm managers on harvest schedules, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. You will also manage inventory, prepare shipment documentation, and liaise with buyers and logistics providers.
How does the local work culture in Botswana affect this management role?
Botswana workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy and collaborative decision-making, so building strong relationships with your team is essential. Punctuality and professionalism are expected, but flexibility is needed during peak harvest seasons when extended hours are common. Understanding Setswana communication styles and local labor laws will help you manage staff effectively and maintain workplace harmony.
What career progression opportunities exist for Citrus Packhouse Managers in Botswana?
With experience, you can advance to Regional Operations Manager or Agricultural Production Manager roles overseeing multiple packhouses or farms. Some professionals move into export coordination, agricultural consultancy, or establish their own citrus farming enterprises. Further studies in agribusiness management or supply chain logistics can accelerate your progression into senior leadership positions.
What benefits are typically offered for this position in Botswana?
Employers usually provide medical aid contributions, pension schemes through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private arrangements, and annual leave as prescribed by the Employment Act. Housing allowances or subsidized accommodation may be offered for positions in remote areas like Selebi Phikwe. Performance bonuses tied to export volumes and quality targets are common in the citrus industry.
How should I apply for a Citrus Packhouse Manager position, and what do Botswana employers look for?
Submit a detailed CV highlighting your agricultural experience, packhouse operations knowledge, and any food safety certifications through email or online job portals like Botswana Jobs or employer websites. Employers prioritize candidates with proven leadership experience, technical problem-solving skills, and familiarity with international export standards. Including references from previous agricultural employers and demonstrating knowledge of Botswana's citrus market will strengthen your application.
