Farm Manager

Westfalia Fruit; Tzaneen; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational fruit supplier in Tzaneen is seeking a qualified Farm Manager to oversee avocado and macadamia production. The role involves managing a large team and ensuring high standards of farming practices and compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience and relevant agricultural qualifications. A comprehensive remuneration package is offered, including medical aid and bonus options.

Benefits

Provident fund

Insured benefits

Medical aid

Annual bonus option

Qualifications

• Over 5 years' experience in management position and managing/running a subtropical fruit farm.
• Experience in Low-flow drip irrigation and fertigation is essential.
• Valid driver's license and experience driving offroad.

Responsibilities

• Manage an Avocado Farm of 88 Hectors.
• Responsible for the establishment of new and replanted orchards.
• Ensure compliance with all farming accreditations and Health & Safety regulations.

Skills

Management of subtropical fruit farm

Low-flow drip irrigation

Communication skills

Labour management

Education

Degree or Diploma in Agriculture

Matric Certificate

Tools

Microsoft and D365 or ERP System

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 recognised 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 Estates, situated in Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced: Farm Manager.

Requirements

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Section/Farm Manager will be responsible for managing the production unit (Avocados and Macadamias) through the effective utilisation of all its natural, human and financial resources to maximize production yields and quality whilst controlling costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing an Avocado Farm of 88 Hectors
• Managing 80 - 200 employees on the farm
• Direct Reports: 2 Supervisors, 1 Clerk and Drivers
• Responsible for the establishment of new and replanted orchards
• Manage fertilizer application program on avocados & macadamias
• Responsible for irrigation installation and management
• Manage full-year farming programme relating to spraying, picking, irrigation, fertilising and related activities
• Oversee maintenance and in-field repairs
• Manage the Macadamia and drying facility
• Manage the use of human, financial and natural resources
• Ensure compliance with all farming accreditations and Health & Safety regulations
• Responsible for application of legal and fair labour relation practices to ensure labour stability on the section
• Manage the disciplinary processes
• Managing the land preparations plans or programmes
• Implement and manage the performance management system

Education

• Matric Certificate
• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture or relevant qualification
• Training in the accreditations relevant to the production of export fruit and experience in the implementation of these accreditations

Experience

• Over 5 years' experience in Management position and managing/running a subtropical fruit farm
• Experience in Low-flow drip irrigation and fertigation is essential
• Experience in running a production unit
• Reporting experience is essential
• Working experience on Microsoft and D365 or ERP System essential
• Valid driver's license and experience driving offroad
• Labour management and basic labour laws
• General knowledge of the Health & Safety Act

Behavioural Competencies

• Self-motivated, hardworking, and energetic
• Good communication both written and verbal
• Integrity, passion for work, excellence and success
• A service-oriented individual that can work under pressure and in a team environment
• Able to work with minimum supervision
• Passionate about high quality fruit production

Benefits

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 25 November 2025