Farm Manager Avocados

This medium-sized company, situated in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, approximately 50km from Pietermaritzburg, operates in a diverse agricultural environment. The company's rural location provides work and living conditions in the country. UCL offers attractive remuneration packages that include normal “corporate” benefits and housing.

REQUIREMENTS

1. At least five years of experience in Avocado Orchard management and production is essential.
2. B.Sc. Agric or similar relevant tertiary qualification (agriculture/horticulture) will be advantageous.
3. Experience with Avocado export processes will be beneficial.
4. Diverse horticultural experience will be advantageous.
5. Experience in managing people is important.

EXPERIENCE/SPECIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

1. Computer literacy is essential together with a good working knowledge of Microsoft packages.
2. Accomplished at account processes, including debtor and creditor management.
3. Good knowledge and understanding of Global GAP / Siza certification systems.
4. Good communication (written & spoken) and interpersonal skills across all levels.
5. Excellent management and leadership skills.
6. Good planning, time-management, organisational and negotiation skills.
7. Ability to speak English and isiZulu.
8. Ethical and honest behaviour is a fundamental requirement.
9. Good coping skills and an ability to remain calm under pressure.
10. Positivity and optimism are required to complement the UCL value set.
11. Previous experience in Sugar Cane and Forestry would be an added advantage.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Management of all Avocado orchard operations and resolving any challenges that arise.
2. Overseeing all day-to-day tasks including planting, pruning, harvesting, logistics, tree health, husbandry, and agronomy.
3. Setting up the annual programme of work, resource planning, and efficiency monitoring.
4. Planning and implementation of fertilisation, irrigation, and plant protection programmes.
5. Management of trees during different stages of development.
6. Overseeing and where necessary improving quality control measures.
7. Forecasting and estimating of yields.
8. Management of farming equipment, facilities, roads, dams, fencing, and associated maintenance of infrastructure.
9. Managing, supporting, and training of all permanent and seasonal staff.
10. Liaising with all relevant stakeholders, service providers, and consultants.
11. Ensuring compliance with various audit standards.
12. Compiling budgets, implementing processes, and ensuring effective cost controls.
13. Managing and monitoring farm capital expenditure, operational expenditure, and reporting on variances.
14. Submission of financial and operational reports.
15. Ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.
16. Ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
17. Advising UCL growers on best practices in relation to management of trees and orchards as well as production techniques.