Horticultural Production Manager

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Career advancement

Modern horticultural facilities and技术

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Horticultural Production Manager to oversee specialized horticultural operations with a focus on high-value crops. You will supervise a team of horticulturalists and farm workers, manage irrigation and nutrient systems, IPM, and ensure quality and compliance across production cycles.

The role requires a strong background in horticulture, leadership, and a commitment to sustainable and efficient production methods, with a hybrid work model balancing field

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• 5+ years' experience in horticultural production management, with greenhouse/protected cultivation.
• Expertise in crop physiology, nutrient management, pest and disease control, and irrigation for horticultural crops.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of horticultural crop production from propagation to harvest.
• Develop and implement production plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Supervise, train, and motivate the horticultural team.
• Oversee greenhouse facilities, irrigation systems, climate control, and infrastructure.
• Implement and manage IPM programs.
• Monitor crop health, growth, and quality; adjust cultural practices as needed.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Manage inventory of inputs, supplies, and harvested produce.
• Evaluate new horticultural technologies and techniques for potential adoption.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to meet production targets and customer demands.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Budgeting

Communication

Problem Solving

Decision Making

Hybrid Work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agronomy

Tools

Horticultural software

Data management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Horticultural Production Manager to oversee their specialized horticultural operations in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is key to managing the cultivation of high-value crops, ensuring optimal growth, quality, and yield. You will be responsible for supervising a team of horticulturalists and farm workers, managing irrigation and nutrient systems, pest and disease control, and implementing best practices in horticultural science. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in horticulture, proven leadership abilities, and a commitment to sustainable and efficient production methods. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a leading horticultural enterprise within the Agriculture & Forestry sector. A hybrid work model allows for both strategic planning and hands‑on oversight of the production facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of horticultural crop production, from propagation to harvest.
• Develop and implement detailed production plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Supervise, train, and motivate the horticultural team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of greenhouse facilities, irrigation systems, climate control, and other essential infrastructure.
• Implement and manage integrated pest and disease management (IPM) programs.
• Monitor crop health, growth, and quality, making necessary adjustments to cultural practices.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Manage inventory of inputs, supplies, and harvested produce.
• Evaluate new horticultural technologies and techniques for potential adoption.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to meet production targets and customer demands.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in horticultural production management, with a strong emphasis on greenhouse or protected cultivation.
• Proven expertise in crop physiology, nutrient management, pest and disease control, and irrigation techniques for horticultural crops.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of horticultural software and data management tools is beneficial.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision‑making capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule, balancing field operations with administrative duties.
• A passion for horticulture and sustainable production practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance‑based incentives.
• Health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunity for career advancement in a growing industry.
• Access to modern horticultural facilities and technologies.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance for site visits.
• Training and development opportunities.