Talent Development Opportunity: Chief Inspector

TALENT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY: Durban: Chief Inspector

This development opportunity will encompass a combination of the functions and responsibilities currently associated with both the Chief Inspector and Lead Assessor roles, while also providing operational and administrative support to the Regional Operations Manager (ROM) .

Development Experience:

The development experience will comprise of job shadowing, training, meetings, and coaching sessions in the following aspects of the role:

- Supporting and maintaining compliance with ISO requirements , including coordination of internal and external audits.
- Assisting with Health and Safety management and compliance within the region.
- Coordinating and participating in Business Review Meetings (BRMs) and other management forums.
- Managing ICT assets , records, and general ICT-related administrative functions.
- Handling regional operational queries and providing support to internal and external stakeholders.
- Assisting clients and employees with technology systems including TITAN 2.0, BI, OIS, ERP, MyHC , and other business applications.
- Providing administrative support relating to certification activities across both value streams.
- Reviewing and approving timesheets in accordance with company procedures and delegated authority.
- Supporting regional Human Resources processes , including employee documentation and administrative requirements.
- Assisting the ROM with budget monitoring, procurement activities, business planning, and process improvement initiatives .
- Liaising with clients to ensure service delivery requirements are met and relationships are effectively maintained.
- Providing general operational and administrative support to enhance regional efficiency, compliance, and service excellence.
- Supervisory roles in Inspection, Cold Chain, Food Safety and Certification related to the specified geographical area.
- Ensuring adequate competency levels of staff within the Harmonization framework.
- Coordinating compliance to prescribed processes, procedures and protocols within the framework of the Agricultural Product Standards Act.
- Coordinating compliance to prescribed processes, procedures and protocols within the framework of the Perishable Products Export Control Board Act.
- Ensure correct application of quality management systems, procedures and work instructions.
- Performance management of employees within the framework of the PPECB performance management system and leadership practices.
- Administrative tasks and reporting related to the execution of services.
- Ensure adherence to Service Level agreements.
- Ensuring effective two-way communication internal and external.
- Inspection and certification of perishable products.
- Inspection of the handling, storage and transport of perishable products.
- Accept the responsibility of continuous self-improvement in their area of responsibility according to the PPECB learning and development practices.
- Participating in the relief duty roster.

Requirements:

- A tertiary qualification in an agricultural discipline with at least 7 years relevant work experience.
- Experience as a supervisor will be to the advantage of applicants.
- Experience in Food Safety audits will be an advantage.
- Comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and practical experience of all inspection services, cold chain services, and associated administrative functions applicable to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) region, with a thorough understanding of regional operational requirements, client expectations, and industry standards .
- Knowledge and understanding of certain cold chain disciplines will be an advantage
- Competency of the following products is Compulsory: Maize and Maize products Avocados, Citrus; Grapes
- Sound knowledge on TITAN 2.0
- Sound knowledge on ERP/MyHC
- Sound knowledge and competency on the export certification and phytosanitary certification process
- Sound knowledge on 3rd party processes (Phytclean, E- certification, e- inspect)
- Knowledge on the health safety management within the business
- Exposure to ISO 9001:2015 including self-assessment audits
- Sound knowledge on business review meetings
- Strong self-development orientation and drive
- A history of meeting or exceeding work performance goals
- Leadership orientation aligned to care and growth principles
- Good ability to train, coach and mentor others
- Operational planning and organizing skills.
- Good communication skills and a team player
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Proven track record of taking ownership enabled by responsible and accountable behaviour
- PPECB Brand Ambassador who live the values
- Willingness to travel
- A valid code 08 driving license and own reliable vehicle.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications will be considered by means of a multiple -hurdle process; consisting of pre-screening of applications; formal interviews; followed by assessments for shortlisted candidates. Formal developmental feedback will be provided to shortlisted, unsuccessful candidates, to assist them with their PDP’s (Personal Development Plans).

Please note:

- This will be a part-time talent developmental opportunity planned for the period 1 December 2026 to 29 February 2028 . You will remain responsible for your primary role while being released, as reasonably arranged with management, to participate in job shadowing, training, meetings, coaching sessions and agreed developmental activities. During the assignment, you will be expected to become progressively competent in the Chief inspector responsibilities.
- This development opportunity is not remunerated. No acting allowance or additional remuneration will apply during the development period.
- The assignment does not constitute an immediate permanent appointment or create an entitlement to permanent appointment.
- Your progress and performance will be assessed throughout the assignment by the Chief Inspector and ROM, with coaching and skills transfer provided by the ROM.