Horticulture Operations Lead: High-Value Crops

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to lead extensive commercial operations. You will oversee cultivation, harvesting, quality, and yield across crops while managing a team and implementing best practices for efficiency and sustainability.

The ideal candidate holds a Diploma or Degree in Horticulture or Agriculture with 5+ years in commercial production, strong plant physiology knowledge, and hands-on leadership to drive excellence outdoors.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial horticultural production.
• Experience managing horticultural crops (vegetables/fruit/ornamentals).
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily horticultural operations: planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest/disease control.
• Supervise and train a team of horticultural workers, ensuring productivity and quality.
• Monitor crop health and growth; implement corrective measures.
• Optimize growing conditions to maximize yield and quality of crops.
• Maintain records of inputs, yields, and expenses.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Research and implement new techniques for efficiency and sustainability.
• Manage inventory of horticultural supplies and equipment.
• Liaise with suppliers and manage contractor relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Pest management

Record keeping

Resource planning

Education

Diploma or Degree in Horticulture/Agriculture

Tools

Irrigation systems

Soil analysis

Record-keeping software

Job description

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to lead extensive commercial operations. You will oversee cultivation, harvesting, quality, and yield across crops while managing a team and implementing best practices for efficiency and sustainability.

The ideal candidate holds a Diploma or Degree in Horticulture or Agriculture with 5+ years in commercial production, strong plant physiology knowledge, and hands-on leadership to drive excellence outdoors.