About Company
Riebeek Valley Olive Growers represents a collective of dedicated olive farmers and producers nestled in the heart of the Swartland region, encompassing areas such as Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeek West, and the wider valley including Porterville. Our mission is to cultivate and produce exceptional quality olives and olive oils, upholding the rich agricultural heritage of our land while embracing sustainable practices. We are passionate about the distinct flavours and health benefits of our products, bringing the authentic taste of the Western Cape to consumers both locally and internationally. As a cooperative, we foster a collaborative environment, sharing knowledge and resources to ensure the highest standards from grove to bottle. We pride ourselves on our commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in olive cultivation and oil extraction. Joining our team means becoming a vital part of a vibrant industry, contributing to the growth and reputation of South African olive oil on a global scale.
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Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategically-minded Remote Olive Oil Production Manager to oversee and optimize our entire olive oil production lifecycle, from grove management to final bottling, all while operating primarily from a remote setup within the Porterville area. This unique role requires a blend of deep industry expertise, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to leverage technology to manage complex production chains across various grower partners in the Swartland region. As our Remote Production Manager, you will be instrumental in ensuring the consistent quality, efficiency, and sustainability of our olive oil products. You will be responsible for developing and implementing advanced production strategies, coordinating with our network of growers and processing facilities, and maintaining rigorous quality control standards remotely. This position calls for an individual who can proactively identify opportunities for improvement, implement innovative solutions, and maintain robust communication channels with all stakeholders. While your primary workstation will be remote, occasional site visits to our farms and processing plants within the Western Cape will be essential for hands-on assessment, supplier relations, and project oversight. If you are passionate about olive oil, possess a strong background in agricultural production management, and thrive in a dynamic, remote work environment, we encourage you to apply and help us continue our tradition of excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive remote production strategies for olive harvesting, pressing, and oil storage to maximize yield and quality.
- Coordinate all aspects of the olive oil supply chain, from raw material sourcing (olives from various farms) to final product packaging and distribution, utilizing remote management tools.
- Establish and rigorously enforce quality control standards and protocols throughout the entire production process, conducting remote audits and reviews.
- Monitor and analyze production data, identifying areas for efficiency improvement, cost reduction, and waste minimization.
- Liaise effectively with grower partners, processing facilities, and third-party contractors, primarily through virtual communication platforms.
- Ensure all production activities comply with national and international food safety regulations, organic certifications (where applicable), and industry best practices.
- Develop and manage production budgets, forecasting resource needs and optimizing expenditure.
- Introduce and integrate new technologies or methodologies to enhance olive oil extraction, storage, and quality remotely.
- Lead and motivate cross-functional teams (e.g., quality assurance, logistics, processing staff) remotely, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Prepare detailed production reports and present insights and recommendations to senior management.
Required Skills
- Minimum 5 years of proven experience in olive oil production or similar agricultural food processing.
- Strong understanding of olive cultivation, harvesting techniques, and oil extraction processes.
- Demonstrated experience in supply chain management and logistics within the agricultural sector.
- Proficiency in quality assurance and food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with a track record of managing complex operations.
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, capable of remote team leadership and stakeholder engagement.
- Proficiency in using remote collaboration tools and production management software.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with an aptitude for data-driven decision making.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agricultural Management, Viticulture, or a related field.
- Experience with organic farming practices and certification processes.
- Familiarity with the Western Cape agricultural landscape and local supplier networks.
- Certification in olive oil tasting or sensory evaluation.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
- Flexible remote work environment, allowing for work-life balance.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on a respected regional brand.
- Engagement with a passionate community of growers and producers.
- Professional development and growth opportunities.
- Contribution to sustainable agriculture and high-quality food production.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV along with a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and explaining why they are an ideal fit for this remote role. Please click on the application link below to apply for the job.
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