Horticultural Manager - Large Scale Production

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus

Training & development

Coastal work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Horticultural Manager to lead large-scale production, optimize plant health, yield, and quality across diverse crops. You will oversee propagation to post-harvest, implement IPM strategies, manage irrigation and fertigation, and guide a team of technicians and farm workers to maximise efficiency and profitability.

The role requires a hands-on leader with a strong background in plant science, data management, and compliance with safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in horticultural management, preferably large-scale.
• Proven expertise in crop production and IPM.
• Strong knowledge of horticultural techniques and data management.
• Experience in irrigation and fertigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement production plans to meet market demands and quality standards.
• Oversee propagation, planting, growing, and harvesting activities.
• Apply integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies to minimise losses.
• Manage irrigation and fertigation for optimal nutrition and water use.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate horticultural technicians and farm labourers.
• Maintain high plant health and quality across production areas.
• Monitor environmental conditions and adjust as needed.
• Maintain inventories of plants, seeds, and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Keep detailed records of production, yields, inputs, and labour costs.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to align production with market needs.

Skills

Leadership

IPM

Crop production

Data analysis

Team management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Tools

Horticultural software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in horticultural production, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Horticultural Manager to oversee their extensive operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves the strategic management of large-scale cultivation, ensuring optimal plant health, yield, and quality across a diverse range of horticultural products. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of modern horticultural techniques, pest and disease management, and sustainable growing practices. Based in the lush coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal , this position offers the opportunity to lead a substantial team and implement innovative strategies to enhance productivity and profitability. You will be responsible for all aspects of daily operations, from propagation to post-harvest handling, ensuring that our client remains at the forefront of the horticultural industry in Richards Bay . This role requires a hands‑on approach, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for plant science.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement horticultural production plans to meet market demands and quality standards.
• Oversee all aspects of plant cultivation, including propagation, planting, growing, and harvesting.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies to minimise crop losses and reduce chemical usage.
• Manage irrigation systems and fertigation programs to ensure optimal plant nutrition and water uptake.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate a team of horticultural technicians and farm labourers.
• Maintain a high standard of plant health and quality across all production areas.
• Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light) and adjust as necessary.
• Manage inventory of plants, seeds, fertilisers, and other horticultural supplies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Maintain detailed records of production, yields, inputs, and labour costs.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to align production with market needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in horticultural management, preferably in large-scale commercial operations.
• Proven expertise in crop production, plant physiology, and integrated pest management.
• Strong knowledge of various horticultural techniques and technologies.
• Experience in managing irrigation and fertigation systems.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in horticultural software and data management.
• Ability to analyse data and make informed decisions to improve efficiency and yield.
• Understanding of supply chain and logistics within the horticultural industry.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical insurance, retirement fund contributions, and significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing organisation. This role offers the chance to work in a beautiful coastal environment and make a tangible impact on horticultural production in Richards Bay . Additional benefits include annual bonuses, relocation assistance for qualified candidates, and access to ongoing training and development programs.