Packhouse Manager

About the Role

Blue River Legacy Farms is a highly successful blueberry farming operation located in Elizabethtown, NC that produces both organic and conventional blueberries throughout the Southeast US. We are seeking an experienced Packhouse Manager to oversee all aspects of our packhouse operations, ensuring operational excellence in the delivery, packing, and storage of fresh and frozen blueberries.

This role is critical to maintaining efficient packhouse operations, ensuring food safety compliance, managing facility maintenance, and leading our packhouse team. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, hands-on, and possesses strong problem-solving and leadership skills. This position reports directly to the COO/CFO.

Key Responsibilities

Packhouse Operations & Facility Management

· Maintain year-round functionality and working condition of multiple packhouses including repairs to compressors, doors, motors, pallet jacks, fresh pack and frozen equipment, and water systems

· Develop and implement annual packhouse operating plans aligned with production goals

· Ensure cleanliness, safety, and compliance with all regulatory requirements year-round

· Schedule resources, repairs, and maintenance activities effectively to maximize uptime and minimize disruptions

· Monitor and optimize packhouse efficiency, throughput, and product quality

· Coordinate daily with Farm Managers on harvest schedules and projected production volumes to ensure adequate packhouse capacity

· Record daily yield information on pack out and grade out performance

· Maintain accurate production records and generate regular operational reports

· Continuously improve processes through adoption of new technologies and operational efficiencies

· Ensure proper operation and calibration of all packing equipment and machinery

Team Management & Labor

· Hire, train, and manage local and H2A seasonal labor to work in the packhouse as needed

· Schedule labor effectively to meet production demands while controlling costs

· Provide training and development for packhouse staff on safety, quality standards, and operational procedures

· Foster a positive, productive, and safety-conscious work environment

· Ensure compliance with all labor laws and regulations

Quality Control & Food Safety Compliance

· Work closely with Food Safety Manager and Organic Certifier to maintain all certifications and compliance

· Ensure all food safety requirements are met and packhouse organic certification is maintained

· Implement and monitor quality control procedures throughout packing operations

· Perform and record blueberry maggot tests for Canadian certification

· Conduct regular inspections to ensure product quality meets company and customer standards

· Manage non-conformance issues and implement corrective actions

· Maintain detailed records for food safety audits and inspections

· Ensure proper sanitation procedures are followed throughout the packhouse

Inventory & Supply Management

· Maintain inventory and manage restocking of pallets, packing supplies, and cleaning supplies

· Procure packhouse equipment, refrigeration systems, and operational materials as needed

· Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages while minimizing excess stock

· Maintain accurate inventory records and conduct regular physical counts

· Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chain

Temperature & Storage Management

· Record and maintain daily temperature logs for coolers and freezers

· Monitor refrigeration systems to ensure proper operation and temperature control

· Manage cold storage capacity to accommodate peak harvest periods

· Coordinate with maintenance personnel for repairs to refrigeration equipment

· Ensure proper rotation of inventory to maintain product freshness

Logistics Coordination

· Schedule trucking and complete Bills of Lading (BOLs) for all product shipments

· Coordinate with sales/marketing teams to ensure timely delivery of products

· Manage loading operations to ensure proper handling and documentation

· Work with logistics providers to optimize shipping costs and delivery times

· Resolve shipping issues and coordinate with carriers as needed

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

· Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in packhouse management with a produce or fruit company

· Deep expertise in fruit or vegetable packhouse operations, equipment, and processes

· Strong knowledge of the blueberry industry and packhouse technologies

· Experience with food safety regulations, FSMA compliance, and organic certification

· Proven ability to manage and lead diverse teams, including seasonal labor

· Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

· Valid driver's license with the ability to travel to multiple locations in the Southeast US

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Famous Software

· Ability to work flexible hours during peak harvest seasons

Preferred:

· Bilingual in English and Spanish

· Experience managing multiple packhouse locations

· Technical understanding of refrigeration and cold storage systems

· Familiarity with H2A labor program and compliance

· Experience with packing line automation and technology

Compensation & Benefits

· Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

· Performance-based bonus program

· 401(k) retirement plan with company participation

· Comprehensive health and dental care coverage

· Professional development opportunities

Pay: $1.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,000 - $100,000