Primary Function
The Packhouse Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the post-harvest handling, grading, and packing of hydroponically grown tomatoes in a controlled-environment greenhouse facility. This role ensures that all tomatoes are sorted, packaged, and labelled according to quality and safety standards, and delivered to distribution channels efficiently. The Packhouse Supervisor leads a team of packhouse workers, ensuring productivity, quality control, food safety compliance, and effective communication across departments.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Oversight
- Supervise daily packhouse operations including tomato grading, sorting, packaging, and palletizing.
- Monitor packing line performance to meet daily throughput and quality targets.
- Coordinate with harvest and logistics teams to align harvest volumes with packhouse capacity and dispatch schedules.
- Ensure accurate product labeling, traceability, and documentation.
Team Supervision & Training
- Manage, train, and support packhouse staff (packers, line leads, and temporary workers).
- Assign daily tasks and monitor team productivity and adherence to SOPs.
- Enforce safety and hygiene protocols; conduct regular toolbox talks and training sessions.
- Provide performance feedback and support staff development.
Quality Assurance
- Inspect incoming harvest batches for damage, ripeness, and defects according to grading standards.
- Ensure consistent product quality in all packaging.
- Implement corrective actions for quality issues on the packing line.
Inventory & Supplies
- Track packaging materials (boxes, labels, clamshells, etc.) and reorder as necessary to prevent downtime.
- Ensure proper storage and inventory of finished goods.
- Maintain organized records of production output, spoilage, and packaging usage.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Enforce and monitor compliance with food safety and sanitation standards (GAP, HACCP, FSMA).
- Maintain clean and sanitary working conditions in all packhouse areas.
- Support audit preparation and documentation for third-party certifications.
Reporting & Coordination
- Submit daily production and labor reports to management.
- Communicate any delays, equipment issues, or shortages to supervisors promptly.
- Collaborate with maintenance and technical teams for equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary education in agriculture, food safety, or operations preferred).
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in packhouse, warehouse, or post-harvest operations, preferably in fresh produce.
- Previous experience in a supervisory or lead hand role.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of tomato handling, grading, and post-harvest best practices.
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and certifications (e.g., GAP, HACCP).
- Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
- Proficiency in recordkeeping and basic computer software (Excel, inventory systems).
- Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish or other language) preferred in multicultural teams.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a packhouse environment with fluctuating temperatures.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand/walk for long periods, and perform repetitive tasks.
- Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends or extended shifts during peak seasons.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with automated or semi-automated packing lines.
- Forklift certification or pallet jack operation experience.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methods.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive hourly wage or salary (depending on experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Career advancement and training opportunities
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Kingsville, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Greenhouse Related Work: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
- Spanish (preferred)
- English (required)
Work Location: In person
