Horticultural Operations Manager

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Housing assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Horticultural Operations Manager to oversee Durban’s extensive production of ornamental and edible plants. You will lead a team of horticulturalists and farm workers, manage budgets, and ensure sustainable, profitable operations in a subtropical climate.

The role emphasizes IPM, greenhouse management, and strong leadership to drive safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement across propagation, cultivation, harvest, and post-harvest processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in horticultural management, large-scale production.
• Experience with IPM and greenhouse or protected cropping systems.
• Strong leadership, planning and cost-control skills.
• Knowledge of post-harvest handling and supply chain logistics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily horticultural production operations and ensure quality targets.
• Plan crops, schedules, and allocate water, nutrients, and labor.
• Implement IPM strategies and monitor plant health.
• Manage harvesting, packing, and dispatch to maintain freshness.
• Lead and train a team of horticultural staff.
• Develop and manage budgets to maximize profitability.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental regulations compliance.
• Oversee irrigation and nutrient delivery programs.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to meet product specs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Planning

Budget management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in high-value horticultural production, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Horticultural Operations Manager to oversee their extensive operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and profitable cultivation of a diverse range of ornamental and edible plants. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of horticultural production, from propagation and cultivation to pest and disease management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. You will lead a dedicated team of horticulturalists and farm workers, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in a leading agricultural enterprise situated in the subtropical climate of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , contributing significantly to the company's success and its commitment to sustainable growing practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of horticultural production, ensuring adherence to quality standards and production targets.
• Manage crop planning, planting schedules, and resource allocation (water, nutrients, labor).
• Implement and supervise integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies.
• Monitor plant health, growth, and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light).
• Manage harvesting, grading, packing, and dispatch processes to maintain product quality and freshness.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of horticultural staff, ensuring efficient labor utilization.
• Develop and manage budgets for horticultural operations, controlling costs and maximizing profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Oversee irrigation systems and nutrient delivery programs.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to meet customer demands and product specifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in horticultural management, with a strong focus on large-scale production.
• Proven expertise in crop production cycles, plant physiology, and soil management.
• Demonstrated experience with IPM, greenhouse management, or protected cropping systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
• Proficiency in budget management and cost control.
• Knowledge of post-harvest handling and supply chain logistics.
• Familiarity with relevant South African agricultural regulations and best practices.
• Must be adept at problem-solving and making timely operational decisions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package that reflects the importance of this role, along with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a provident fund, and life insurance.
• This position provides significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training in horticultural techniques and management.
• We value work-life balance and offer a supportive team environment.
• Additional benefits include paid time off and potential for company housing assistance.
• This is a challenging yet rewarding role for a dedicated horticultural professional.