Farm Manager

Westfalia Fruit; Howick; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident fund

Medical aid

Annual bonus

Job summary

Westfalia Fruit Estate Everdon in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a suitably qualified Farm Manager to support the Senior Farm Manager in overseeing diverse subtropical operations and ensure high quality fruit production.

You will lead people, manage budgets, enforce health and safety and export standards, and drive continuous improvement across irrigation, pruning, harvesting and recordkeeping.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture or a related qualification.
• Minimum 5 years on subtropical fruit farming and orchard management.
• Experience with irrigation, fertilisation, spraying and recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Manage farm production programme from planting to harvesting.
• Oversee irrigation systems, fertiliser applications and pest control.
• Ensure compliance with GlobalG.A.P., export and safety standards.
• Lead permanent and seasonal staff, including recruitment and development.
• Maintain accurate farm records and budgets.
• Collaborate with Senior Farm Manager to meet targets.

Skills

Leadership

People management

English

isiZulu

Farm management

Irrigation & fertilization

Records & compliance

Education

Degree or Diploma in Agriculture

Job description

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce - 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as the leading #avo experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Westfalia Fruit Estate, situated in KwaZulu-Natal, Everdon, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced: Farm Manager

Purpose of the role:

To assist the Senior Farm Manager in managing the farming operations at Everdon Estate by effectively managing human, financial and natural resources to achieve high production yields, good fruit quality, cost efficiency and compliance with farming, health and safety and export accreditation requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and monitor the farm production Programme, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, spraying, pruning, weed control and harvesting.
• Manage new developments, land preparation, planting and establishment of orchards.
• Manage irrigation systems, pump station operations and irrigation scheduling.
• Monitor and manage fertilizer and chemical applications and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Manage farm maintenance, repairs and mechanization activities.
• Monitor fruit production, yields and quality and take corrective action where required.
• Ensure compliance with GlobalG.A.P., export requirements, health and safety legislation and other relevant farming accreditations.
• Manage and effectively utilize human, financial and natural resources.
• Manage permanent and seasonal employees, including recruitment, performance management, training, discipline and development.
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure hazards, incidents and corrective actions are properly managed.
• Support the implementation of the annual farming Programme and ensure activities are completed according to planned timelines and standards.
• Maintain accurate farm, production, irrigation, fertilizer, chemical and compliance records.
• Work closely with the Senior Farm Manager and other relevant teams to achieve production and operational objectives.

Education:

• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture or a relevant agricultural qualification.
• Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience working on a subtropical fruit farm.
• Experience in farm production and orchard management.
• Experience in irrigation, fertilisation, spraying, weed control, pruning and general farming activities.
• Experience in farm mechanisation and maintenance.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining relevant agricultural/export accreditations.
• Experience in people management, performance management and handling employee relations matters will be advantageous.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, hardworking and energetic.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Team player with a service-oriented approach.
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Passionate about high-quality fruit production.
• Adaptable and willing to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Language: Proficiency in English and isiZulu is required.

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 10 September 2026.

NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 01 October 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.