Plantation Manager (Durian)

Lion; Selangor; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agriculture company in Selangor is seeking an experienced Agriculture Operations Manager to oversee their fruit farming business across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The ideal candidate will have a background in agriculture with 10+ years of experience, including at least 5 years in management. Key responsibilities include establishing sustainable farming practices, managing operations, and ensuring profitability. Strong leadership skills and expertise in cash crops are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in commercial farming, with 5+ in management.
• Experience managing large-scale durian tree plantations.
• Familiarity with smart farm technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage fruit agriculture business operations.
• Establish sustainable farming practices and manage operations.
• Oversee day-to-day farming including planting and harvesting.
• Manage budgets and ensure profitability of operations.
• Develop and execute strategic vision for the agriculture business.

Skills

Leadership and management

Knowledge of agriculture technologies

Expertise in high-value cash crops

Understanding of Southeast Asian climate patterns

Irrigation and soil science

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture

Master's degree preferred

Job description

• Leading and managing the fruit agriculture business operations across the company's land holdings in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the fruit agriculture business, setting goals for production, sustainability, technology implementation, and financial performance.

• Establishing effective and sustainable farming practices, managing contractors and suppliers, planning and executing farming operations, and staying current on the latest agriculture technologies and methodologies.

• Oversee all day-to-day farming operations including planting, irrigation, soil treatment, fertilization, harvesting, storage, transportation, and sales. Ensure optimal crop health, quality, and yields.

• Build out the infrastructure for existing and new farms, implementing modern technologies and equipment.

• Lead preventative and corrective disease treatment programs to protect crops. Stay current on the latest disease threats.

• Manage relationships, contracts, and performance of suppliers, contractors, distributors and other third-party partners.

• Set and manage budgets, control costs, and ensure agriculture operations meet profitability goals.

• Comply with all relevant regulations and maintain up-to-date certifications such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

• Recruit, manage and develop high-performing agriculture teams, overseeing team leads, managers, contract workers and day labourers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy or related field; Master's degree preferred

• 10+ years’ experience in a commercial farming environment, with at least 5 years in a management role overseeing multiple farm locations.

• Expertise in high-value cash crops, nurseries, irrigation, soil science and disease prevention.

• Experienced in setting up and managing large-scale durian tree plantation.

• Understanding of Southeast Asian climate patterns and terroir.

• Experience with the latest smart farm technologies.

• Outstanding leadership abilities and business acumen.

• Willing to travel locally and overseas frequently.