Operations Manager - Citrus Production

Mayfly Agri; India; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfly Agri in India is seeking a Senior Production Manager for its citrus estate. You will lead long-term production strategy, oversee orchard replacement and expansion, and align plans with growth objectives. You will drive yield across the estate and ensure operational excellence.

Responsibilities include overseeing irrigation, fertigation, pest management, budgets, CAPEX, and forecast/harvest planning with a data-driven approach to support export readiness and ROI optimization.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Agriculture or related discipline.
• 10–15 years in commercial citrus production with 5–8 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record managing large-scale citrus operations (500ha+).
• Expertise in irrigation, fertigation, forecasting, harvest programmes, and export systems.
• Experience in Southern Africa farming environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term citrus production strategy and orchard planning.
• Lead varietal selection, rootstock, and expansion planning.
• Align production plans with growth and commercial objectives.
• Direct orchard production and optimize yield across the estate.
• Oversee irrigation, fertigation, scheduling and efficiency.
• Lead crop protection and integrated pest management.
• Manage labour, resources and operational infrastructure.
• Ensure food safety standards and export readiness.
• Lead and develop a team of Production Managers.
• Embed data-driven decision making and continuous improvement.
• Propose and manage CAPEX to improve ROI.
• Prepare and manage production budgets.
• Drive monthly crop forecasting and harvest planning.
• Control operating costs and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Citrus production

Operations leadership

Irrigation management

Forecasting budgeting

Education

Degree/Diploma in Agriculture or related field

Additional Citrus/IRR/FS qualifications

Tools

ERP systems

CAPEX planning

Job description

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Citrus Production, Agricultural Management, or related discipline; Additional qualifications in Citrus Production, Irrigation, Food Safety, or Management are advantageous
• Minimum 10-15 years in commercial citrus production, including 5-8 years in a senior production or operational leadership role
• Must have a proven track record managing large-scale citrus operations(500ha+) and leading multiple Production Managers
• Deep expertise in irrigation, fertigation, crop forecasting, harvesting programmes, and export production systems is essential
• Experience within Southern Africa farming environments is advantageous

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing and executing the long-term citrus production strategy.
• Leading varietal, rootstock, orchard replacement, and expansion planning.
• Aligning production plans with the company's growth and commercial objectives.
• Directing orchard production and overall yield performance across the estate.
• Overseeing irrigation and fertigation strategy, scheduling, and efficiency.
• Leading crop protection and integrated pest management programmes.
• Managing labour, resources, and operational infrastructure.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety standards and full export readiness.
• Leading, developing, and holding accountable a team of Production Managers.
• Embedding data-driven decision-making and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Proposing and managing capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects to enhance return on investment (ROI).
• Preparing and managing production budgets.
• Driving monthly crop forecasting, harvest planning, and seasonal production execution.
• Controlling operational costs and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.