Active Recruitment
Introduction
Our client is an established blueberry farm of 35 hectares under net, situated in the Porterville district of the Western Cape. The farm cultivates four blueberry varieties and exports primarily to European markets. During the picking season (July to November), the operation employs approximately 600 workers, making a meaningful contribution to employment in the local community. This is a stable, professionally run agri-business seeking an experienced Production Manager to take ownership of day-to-day farm operations and contribute to its continued growth.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Production Manager is responsible for the financial and physical performance of day-to-day farm operations, leading a team of section supervisors across all production activities. You will be the operational heartbeat of the farm – planning, coordinating and overseeing everything from planting and fertigation to harvesting and workforce management, while implementing the employer’s short- and long-term business plans.
Duties & Responsibilities
Business Management
Contribute to and implement the farm’s overall strategic business plan
Develop specific goals and objectives for each section
Identify and mitigate operational risks early
Production Management
Direct and coordinate all planting, fertigation, chemical application and harvesting activities
Conduct soil and leaf analysis to guide fertigation and pest/disease management
Inspect production areas to determine maturity dates against block targets
Ensure ongoing maintenance of all production areas
Coordinate growing activities with engineering, equipment and technical teams
Administration & Finance
Participate in preparing and controlling the annual production budget
Schedule and assign senior team leaders to daily activities
Maintain accurate records and documentation
Monitor progress against budget and report variances to the estate manager
People Management
Induct and integrate newly employed team members
Monitor and enforce adherence to health & safety regulations
Ensure adequate workforce for efficient farm operations
Set performance standards and monitor performance collaboratively
Coach, mentor, guide and motivate employees
Support employee development and capacity building
Asset Management
Communicate equipment and supply requirements to the estate manager
Inspect equipment regularly to ensure proper functioning
Ensure routine maintenance and correct handling of all assets
Compliance
Ensure adherence to SIZA, Global G.A.P. and applicable industry regulations
Maintain quality assurance standards throughout production
Enforce compliance with all company policies and procedures
Desired Experience & Qualification
Qualifications
Relevant tertiary degree (agriculture or horticulture preferred)
Certificates in farming activities, e.g. irrigation, scouting, plant production
Experience
Minimum 5 years’ relevant farm production experience
Hands-on crop production: land development, harvesting and farm maintenance
Technical skills
Horticultural practices & fruit production functions
Fertigation, pest and disease management
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Basic financial management
Working knowledge of HR legislation (BCEA, H&S)
Package & Remuneration
Market Related (Includes Benefits)
To apply for this job please visit www.pnet.co.za.