Farm Operations Manager

Kwena Human Capital; Tzaneen; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit is seeking an Operational Manager to oversee production units in Tzaneen. This role involves managing resources, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and driving operational excellence to maximize profitability. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in agriculture and a strong educational background in Agricultural Sciences.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years' experience in operations, preferably in agriculture.
• 5+ years in health and safety roles.
• Experience with ERP systems (2-3 years).

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage the operational plan of production units.
• Control costs and drive monthly KPI reporting.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and manage audit processes.

Skills

Agriculture

ISO45001

ERP

Avocado

Education

Degree in Agricultural Sciences

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Purpose of the role:
We seek an experienced incumbent to implement and manage the operational plan of the production units of the organisation, through the effective utilization of all its natural, human, and financial resources to maximize profits. The incumbent must demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills, financial management, and human resources management skills. The ability to develop and implement plans aimed at ensuring sustainable and continuous yield, quality improvement, and production cost reduction is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Health and Safety

• Accept and execute health and safety policies
• Manage and implement HSMS
• Deliver on group objectives and goals
• Support and maintain ISO45001 certification for SA production units

Operational Management

Short Term Plans

• Control costs and drive monthly KPI reporting on picking, pruning, fertilizer, irrigation, chemical application
• Evaluate orchard performance based on age, quality, and production cost
• Coach and mentor team members

Medium Term Plans

• Conduct replant development need analysis
• Analyze water and electricity use
• Maintain current establishment
• Perform soil and tree health surveys (e.g., AGES or Aerobotics)

Financial and Business Management

• Assist in setting up budgets, monitor resource allocation, review and adjust monthly estimates
• Prepare monthly or project financial reports for management
• Manage resources to meet business profitability targets within budget and industry norms

Project Management

• Ensure statutory obligations (e.g., Dam safety, building registration, EIA, Water Rights, Roads, electricity) are met
• Manage planning, design, and implementation of production projects
• Foster an inclusive culture
• Oversee D365 implementation and farm costing at block level
• Manage farming solutions and H&S systems

People Management

• Instill discipline within management and labor force
• Set performance agreements, coach, and mentor staff
• Ensure legal and fair labor practices
• Develop successors for critical roles
• Promote employee engagement and healthy labor relations

Capital Projects

• Conduct feasibility studies for new projects
• Engage with operations managers for requirements
• Review and approve capital requests
• Manage project budgets and timelines

Operational Activities

• Develop management systems for picking/pruning, pest/disease control, warehouse, and chemical applications

Accreditation Management

• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., GlobalGAP, SIZA, Fairtrade)
• Manage audit processes

Education and Experience

• Degree in Agricultural Sciences or similar; postgraduate qualification advantageous
• 5-10 years' experience in operations, preferably in agriculture
• 5+ years in health and safety roles
• Experience with ERP systems (2-3 years)
• Computer literacy (MS Office)
• Valid driver’s license and own transport

Behavioral Competencies

• Management skills for export subtropical fruit business
• People management and leadership
• Knowledge of accreditation requirements for export to the EU
• Financial and legal knowledge relevant to farming operations
• High integrity, passion, and excellence
• Effective communication and business acumen
• Results-oriented, analytical, detail-focused, able to work under pressure and travel as needed

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Skills: Agriculture, ISO45001, ERP, Avocado, Agricultural Science
• Qualification: Degree or higher

About The Employer:

A leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and value-added products, with the largest avocado-growing footprint globally, serving retail and wholesale markets worldwide.