Horticultural Manager - Large-Scale Produce Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid contributions

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Horticultural Manager to oversee extensive horticultural operations near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires hands-on leadership of field staff, crop monitoring, and coordination with supply chain logistics to ensure timely delivery of high-quality produce.

The ideal candidate has a Diploma/Degree in horticulture or related fields, 5+ years of leadership in large-scale farming, and strong knowledge of crop science, pest management, and sustainable

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in managing large-scale horticultural operations.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, pest and disease management relevant to KwaZulu-Natal.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with irrigation systems, greenhouse management, or protected cropping is a plus.
• Familiarity with GAP and other food safety certifications.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, as dictated by seasonal demands in Durban.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive horticultural production plans to meet yield and quality targets.
• Supervise and manage daily operations, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of farm workers and supervisors, ensuring efficient task execution.
• Monitor crop health, identify potential issues (pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies), and implement timely corrective actions.
• Manage the allocation and efficient use of resources, including water, fertilizers, and labor.
• Ensure adherence to best agricultural practices, including food safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of horticultural equipment and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the sales and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of produce.
• Implement and monitor new horticultural technologies and techniques to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Maintain accurate records of all horticultural activities, yields, and resource usage.

Skills

Leadership

Pest & disease management

Crop science

Irrigation systems

Greenhouse management

GAP compliance

Food safety

MS Office

Education

Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or related field

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent agricultural producer, is seeking a skilled and experienced Horticultural Manager to oversee extensive horticultural operations in the vicinity of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for ensuring the efficient cultivation, growth, and harvesting of high-quality produce. The Horticultural Manager will be responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising all horticultural activities, managing a dedicated team, and optimizing resource utilization to meet production targets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in horticulture, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of crop science, pest and disease management, and sustainable farming practices. You will play a key role in enhancing productivity and ensuring the consistent supply of premium produce to domestic and international markets. This is a hands-on role requiring a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. We are looking for a motivated individual who can bring expertise in modern horticultural techniques and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The role involves direct supervision of field staff, crop monitoring, and coordination with supply chain logistics. Your contributions will directly impact the success and reputation of our client's agricultural endeavors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive horticultural production plans to meet yield and quality targets.
• Supervise and manage daily operations, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of farm workers and supervisors, ensuring efficient task execution.
• Monitor crop health, identify potential issues (pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies), and implement timely corrective actions.
• Manage the allocation and efficient use of resources, including water, fertilizers, and labor.
• Ensure adherence to best agricultural practices, including food safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of horticultural equipment and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the sales and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of produce.
• Implement and monitor new horticultural technologies and techniques to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Maintain accurate records of all horticultural activities, yields, and resource usage.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in managing large-scale horticultural operations.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, pest and disease management specific to produce grown in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with irrigation systems, greenhouse management, or protected cropping is a plus.
• Familiarity with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and other food safety certifications.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding production deadlines.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., MS Office).
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, as dictated by seasonal demands in Durban.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance-based bonus structure, medical aid contributions, and opportunities for career advancement within a leading agricultural enterprise located in Durban.