Head of Operations (Packhouse & Logistics)

Bright City Talent; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright City Talent is seeking a seasoned Head of Production Operations to shape the future of agricultural production in South Africa. This strategic role involves overseeing multiple production sites while ensuring operational excellence and sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in agricultural production or operations management, with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. Responsibilities include managing resources, developing operational procedures, and driving sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in agricultural production or operations management, with at least 5 years in senior leadership overseeing multiple sites.
• Proven ability to integrate decentralised production and maintenance with central functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate operations across three geographically separated production units.
• Manage resource allocation, budgets, and asset maintenance to optimise productivity and efficiency.
• Integrate maintenance planning within overall operational strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

ERP/MRP systems

Operational reporting tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Operations Management, Engineering or related field

Job description

An opportunity for a seasoned operations leader to shape the future of agricultural production in South Africa. Our client, a pioneering agri supplier embracing modern technology, seeks a strategic Head of Production Operations to oversee multiple production sites, ensuring operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate operations across three geographically separated production units, maintaining high standards and meeting production targets
• Manage resource allocation, budgets, and asset maintenance to optimise productivity and efficiency
• Integrate maintenance planning within overall operational strategies
• Serve as a key liaison between production sites and centralised functions such as HR, Finance, and Systems
• Develop and implement standard operational procedures, KPIs, and best practices for decentralised sites
• Lead, mentor, and develop Production Unit Managers and maintenance teams
• Prepare consolidated reports for executive leadership on operational and financial performance
• Drive cross-site projects related to irrigation, water rights, technology adoption, and sustainability initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Operations Management, Engineering or related field
• 10+ years in agricultural production or operations management, with at least 5 years in senior leadership overseeing multiple sites
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting tools
• Proven ability to integrate decentralised production and maintenance with central functions

Nice to Have

• Expertise in asset management, project management, and sustainability initiatives in agriculture