Description
The Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) Graduate Placement Programme is a proudly South African initiative aimed at driving transformation in the fresh fruit export industry. It offers high-potential South African graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in logistics, commercial, and technical (post-harvest quality management) roles at leading fruit export companies. This one-year internship is designed to equip graduates with practical skills, industry exposure, and professional development in a real-world business environment, with the potential to grow into long-term career opportunities. The programme plays a vital role in integrating talented young individuals into the commercial and operational heart of the industry.
This is your opportunity to enter the dynamic, fast-growing, and competitive world of logistics and export.
The following FPEF member; a highly successful and fully integrated family-run fruit production operation with a long and rich history in South Africa’s agricultural sector, is seeking a Logistic Operations Intern to join their dynamic team in Tzaneen. The business is part of a larger group and is known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation across the value chain.
Key Learning Areas and Responsibilities:
- Assist in managing fruit packing lines and operational systems to ensure optimal throughput and minimal waste.
- Support the implementation of food safety protocols and quality assurance standards.
- Learn to plan staffing schedules and support recruitment, training, and performance tracking.
- Participate in packaging planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Gain exposure to logistics coordination and administrative systems such as PALTRACK, Palbroker and labour productivity tracking tools.
- Coordinate inspections with PPECB and assist with compliance-related administrative processes.
- Arrange and coordinate truck bookings, loadings, and dispatch schedules.
- Assist with load planning and the consolidation of fruit orders for shipment.
- Prepare shipping and dispatch documentation, including waybills and related logistics records on systems such as Palbroker and Titan.
- Generate and manage pallet and shipment labels using Palbroker.
- Assist with pallet weight verification and other dispatch-related operational requirements when required.
- Monitor pack-out percentages and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Skills and Competencies
- Strong interest in agricultural production, logistics, and post-harvest processes.
- Good administrative, planning, and computer skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to seasonal demands and changing priorities.
- Comfortable working in both operational and administrative environments.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership potential.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Production Management, or a related field.
- Previous exposure to packhouse, warehouse, farming, or logistics operations (e.g. vacation work, internships, or part-time roles) will be advantageous.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and hands-on approach to work.
- Detail-oriented, accurate, and well organised.
- Enjoys a varied role that combines administrative responsibilities with operational involvement.
- Comfortable working on the warehouse or packhouse floor and interacting with operational teams.
- Team player with a willingness to learn and a growth mindset.
- Committed to maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and service delivery.
- South African citizen.
- Preference may be given to candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Applicants must be under the age of 30.
Remuneration:
The respective organisation undertakes to provide mentorship and market-related remuneration as applicable to interns.
Apply on-line