Horticultural Production Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Access to modern horticultural tech

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Horticultural Production Manager to oversee cultivation, harvesting, and packing operations.

You will lead horticulturalists and farm workers, implement production plans, ensure quality controls, and drive efficiency across the supply chain in a hands-on role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field.
• At least 6 years progressive experience in horticultural production management.
• Experience with large-scale fruit and/or vegetable cultivation.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil management, irrigation, and pest control.
• Experience with quality management systems and food safety standards.
• Excellent leadership and communication; ability to work outdoors in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual crop production plans, including planting schedules, irrigation, and fertilization strategies.
• Manage day-to-day operations of horticultural production, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
• Supervise, train, and motivate a team of horticultural technicians, supervisors, and field workers.
• Implement and monitor pest and disease control programs using integrated approaches.
• Oversee harvesting, grading, packing, and preparation of produce for market.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GAP) and environmental standards.
• Manage budgets for production inputs, labor, and equipment, controlling costs effectively.
• Monitor crop performance, analyze yields, and identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain accurate production records and reports for management review.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Horticultural knowledge

Pest and disease control

Irrigation & soil management

Data and record keeping

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-quality fruits and vegetables situated in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is looking for an experienced Horticultural Production Manager. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the cultivation and harvesting processes to ensure optimal yield, quality, and efficiency. The manager will lead a team of horticulturalists and farm workers, implement best practices in crop management, and ensure adherence to stringent quality and safety standards. This is a hands‑on position requiring a deep understanding of horticultural science and operational excellence within the vibrant agricultural landscape of Richards Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual crop production plans, including planting schedules, irrigation, and fertilization strategies.
• Manage day-to-day operations of horticultural production, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
• Supervise, train, and motivate a team of horticultural technicians, supervisors, and field workers.
• Implement and monitor pest and disease control programs using integrated approaches.
• Oversee harvesting, grading, packing, and preparation of produce for market.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, GAP) and environmental standards.
• Manage budgets for production inputs, labor, and equipment, controlling costs effectively.
• Monitor crop performance, analyze yields, and identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain accurate production records and reports for management review.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• At least 6 years of progressive experience in horticultural production management.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale fruit and/or vegetable cultivation.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil management, irrigation techniques, and pest/disease control.
• Experience with quality management systems and food safety standards.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding environment, often outdoors in various weather conditions, in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Proficiency in farm management software and basic computer skills.
• A Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous paid annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Access to modern horticultural technology and infrastructure.
• A key role in a thriving agricultural business in a beautiful coastal region.