Production Manager

Our client is looking for a Production Manager that will be responsible to produce and to send the best quality fruit by determining the best growth strategy per crop per field at the best possible productivity levels. They are looking for a senior production manager with a minimum of 5 years experience in agriculture, soft fruit with excellent organisational and leadership skills.

Location: Hemel & Aarde Valley, Hermanus

Reports to: Farm Business Manager

Responsibilities:

• Field Establishment:

o Evaluate and compile strategic plan to prepare for field establishment taking into consideration the outcomes to be met for Season Production Plan

o Design, action and procurement of field, plant and material needs to meet with agreed standards

o Consultation with providers for plant propagation to meet with Grower needs for establishment

o Plan, action and monitor labour to carry out establishment tasks within set deadlines and within budget

• Harvest Management:

o To provide a 6 week headcount harvest plan – all harvest staff and to develop annual Harvest Budget in line with company requirements

o To ensure that fruit is harvested according to quality specification as per customer to reduce field waste

• Estimations:

o To amend and communicate seasonal profile according to crop performance timeously

o To amend and communicate short term seasonal profile weekly and fortnightly as required

• Husbandry:

o Compile budget and establish annual husbandry plan to meet with strategic outcomes

o Execute and adjust husbandry strategy per crop per field as indicated by plant growth

o Determine and plan for infrastructure adjustments following standards and procurement outcomes

o Establish labour outcomes and monitor performance in line with Husbandry Plan and within set deadlines

• Logistics:

o Manage logistic supervisor according to KPI’s including Bus transport for all staff required, Sanitation, Recycling, Cold store logistics, Purchasing and COD’s, Production stock - Stock management for all Husbandry and Harvest requirements

• Tertiary: Agricultural/horticultural management diploma/degree

• Minimum of 3-5 years growing soft fruit/production experience– young energetic person

• Good literacy, numeracy, computer skills, excellent report writing skills

• Driving licence with own transport

• Excellent communication skills and team leadership abilities