CITRUS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Farm Manager SA; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA is seeking an experienced leader in citrus production, based in South Africa. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing long-term strategies, managing operations, and ensuring compliance with food safety and export standards.

With over a decade of experience in commercial citrus production and proven leadership skills, the successful applicant will elevate the performance of large-scale operations and manage a team of Production Managers effectively.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in commercial citrus production.
• 5-8 years in a senior production or operational leadership role.
• Experience within Southern Africa farming environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the long-term citrus production strategy.
• Lead varietal, rootstock, and orchard expansion planning.
• Ensure compliance with food-safety standards and export readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Irrigation Management

Crop Forecasting

Food Safety Compliance

Strategic Planning

Education

Degree or diploma in Agriculture or related field

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A degree or diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Citrus Production, Agricultural Management, or a related discipline
• Additional qualifications in citrus production, irrigation, food safety, or management are advantageous
• 10-15 years in commercial citrus production, including 5-8 years in a senior production or operational leadership role
• 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
• Experience within Southern Africa farming environments is advantageous
• A confident, credible leader who develops high-performing teams
• Strategic and operational in equal measure, with strong planning and organisational discipline
• Calm, decisive, and accountable under the pressures of peak season
• A clear communicator and reporter with a data-led, improvement-focused mindset

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Develop and execute the long-term citrus production strategy.
• Lead varietal, rootstock, orchard replacement, and expansion planning.
• Align production plans with the company's growth and commercial objectives.
• Direct orchard production and overall yield performance across the estate
• Oversee irrigation and fertigation strategy, scheduling, and efficiency
• Lead crop protection and integrated pest management programmes
• Manage labour, resources, and operational infrastructure
• Ensure compliance with food-safety standards and full export readiness
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of Production Managers
• Embed data-driven decision-making and a culture of continuous improvement
• Propose and manage capex projects to elevate ROI
• Prepare and manage production budgets.
• Drive monthly crop forecasting, harvest planning, and seasonal production execution
• Control operational costs and identify cost-saving opportunities.