PURPOSE
The Project Manager for the OnePack product vertical will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and success of OnePack, an on-premises, web-based application designed to automate processes in fruit and vegetable packhouses.
The role focuses on driving project delivery, client satisfaction, and the alignment of internal teams to ensure smooth project execution, enhanced productivity for clients, cost reductions, and real-time traceability across packhouse operations. The OnePack platform maintains a unified database for bins, cartons, and pallets, contributing to efficient packhouse management.
OBJECTIVES (main duties and responsibilities)
Key Responsibilities
- Client Relationship & Requirement Gathering: Build and maintain strong relationships with fruit and vegetable packhouses. Engage with clients to understand their operational challenges and translate them into detailed project requirements for OnePack implementations. Ensure the OnePack solution enhances operational efficiency, traceability, and productivity for clients.
- Project Planning & Execution:
Develop comprehensive project plans, outlining timelines, resource allocation, and deliverables for OnePack implementations. Oversee execution to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with client needs. - Internal & External Communication:
Serve as the primary liaison between clients, internal teams (Product, Engineering, Operations), and external partners. Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration and ensure smooth communication to drive successful project outcomes. - End-to-End Project Management:
Lead projects from requirements definition through deployment, managing scope, timelines, budgets, and resources. Ensure projects meet objectives on time and within budget, making adjustments as necessary. Track project performance, report on milestones, and provide regular updates to stakeholders. - Risk & Issue Management:
Identify potential risks and bottlenecks during the project lifecycle. Develop mitigation strategies and resolve issues promptly to ensure successful project completion. Escalate critical issues when necessary and ensure they are resolved efficiently. - Budget Management:
Manage project budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial constraints. Ensure projects deliver maximum ROI and that financial goals are met. - Agile Practices & Process Optimisation:
Guide teams in adopting agile practices, optimising processes, and fostering continuous improvement. Promote an agile mindset across the organisation, ensuring alignment with business objectives and adherence to best practices. - Cross-Functional Coordination & Team Development:
Collaborate with project sponsors, cross-functional teams, and SMEs to optimise resource utilisation and project deliverables. Lead high-performance teams, providing direction, motivation, and ensuring alignment with company goals. - Program Strategy & Portfolio Oversight:
Develop and implement strategies for projects and programs that align with company objectives. Oversee multiple projects to ensure optimal resource utilisation, ROI, and alignment with business goals. Identify risks and opportunities across projects, providing strategic solutions. - Reporting & Documentation:
Provide regular project updates, including progress reports, key metrics, and post-implementation reviews to both internal and client stakeholders. Document learnings and share them across teams to drive continuous improvement.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
Formal Qualifications
- Preferably a degree in Information systems, Industrial Engineering, Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agri Economics, or a related field.
- Certification as agile coach or scrum master. (beneficial)
- PMP or PRINCE2 certification. (beneficial)
- Driver’s licence (This role may include regular travel to clients)
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Knowledge:
- Packhouse Operations & Processes: In-depth understanding of fruit and vegetable packhouse workflows, from receiving bins to palletising products, and how these processes can be automated using technology.
- OnePack Platform Knowledge: Familiarity with OnePack’s capabilities, including automation of packhouse processes, real-time traceability, and database management for bins, cartons, and pallets.
- AgTech & Automation Solutions: Knowledge of agricultural technology solutions and their role in improving productivity and efficiency in packhouses.
- Project Management Methodologies: Expertise in applying project management methodologies, such as Agile or Waterfall, to streamline OnePack implementations.
Competencies:
- Strategic Thinking & Vision Alignment: Ability to align OnePack projects with broader company goals and client needs, ensuring that the platform drives efficiency, traceability, and cost reductions.
- Stakeholder Management: Strong interpersonal skills to manage relationships with packhouse clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to anticipate challenges in packhouse environments and apply creative solutions that optimise the use of OnePack.
- Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to manage shifting priorities and adapt to changing client requirements during OnePack implementations.
Skills:
- Technical Literacy: Solid understanding of web-based applications, on-premises software deployment, and database management systems. While not necessarily hands-on, the ability to interface with technical teams is essential.
- Communication: Strong communication skills to clearly explain technical solutions to non-technical packhouse clients and ensure internal teams are aligned with project goals.
- Project Management Tools: Proficiency in using tools such as Jira, Trello, or MS Project to track OnePack implementation progress and milestones.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyse client data and operational metrics to optimise OnePack deployments and ensure efficiency gains.
Job Related Experience
- Packhouse or Agricultural Sector: 3+ years of experience working in packhouse operations, supply chain management, or AgTech environments, with a focus on automating manual processes.
- Project Management: Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects, ideally in the agricultural or tech sectors, with a focus on client requirement gathering, cross-functional collaboration, and on-premises software deployments.
- Client Engagement & Solution Delivery: Demonstrated experience working directly with clients to gather requirements, implement solutions, and deliver projects that meet or exceed client expectations.
- Team Leadership: Experience coordinating cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Operations) to ensure the successful deployment of technology solutions. Proven experience in implementing agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe. Track record of leading agile transformations and fostering continuous improvement.
Languages
English
Afrikaans (Beneficial)
CULTURE
- Someone to enhance the positive company culture with a high emphasis on morals, values and diversity
- Preferably someone with a passion for/experience in the agriculture and /or logistics & technology industries
- A go-getter that can grow with the company
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Visit our About Us page to discover more about our culture, work ethic, and vision.