Orchard Manager

Wine Co.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Schoeman Group is seeking an experienced Orchard Manager for Moosrivier in the Groblersdal / Marble Hall region. The role demands hands-on leadership to build high-performing teams and consistently deliver orchard results.

You will plan production, manage staff and contractors, implement agronomic programmes, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Matric is required.
• Minimum 5 years’ management in permanent crop production.
• Proven ability to lead permanent and seasonal workforces.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation, fertigation, pruning and pest management.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute orchard production to meet yield and quality targets.
• Lead and manage permanent staff, seasonal labour and contractors.
• Implement agronomic programmes including irrigation, nutrition, pruning and crop manipulation.
• Monitor orchard performance and take corrective actions.
• Manage budgets, input costs and resources.
• Coordinate maintenance of fleet, equipment and orchard infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with OHS, food safety and certification standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity and efficiency.

Skills

Staff management

Irrigation

Crop management

Budgeting

Data analysis

Decision making

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

Agricultural qualification (advantageous)

Job description

Overview

Schoeman Group, a well-established agricultural enterprise with diverse operations across several production units, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Orchard Manager at Moosrivier in the Groblersdal / Marble Hall region. We are looking for a disciplined, hands‑on leader with a proven track record of building high‑performing teams and consistently delivering exceptional orchard results.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute orchard production to achieve yield & quality targets.
• Lead and manage permanent staff, seasonal labour and contractors.
• Execute agronomic programmes, including irrigation, nutrition, pruning, crop manipulation, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Monitor orchard performance and implement timely corrective actions.
• Manage budgets, input costs and operational resources.
• Coordinate the maintenance of fleet, equipment and orchard infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with OHS, food safety and certification standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity & efficiency.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Minimum 5 years' management experience in permanent crop production.
• Proven record of achieving production and quality targets.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation, fertigation, pruning, crop manipulation, and pest & disease management.
• Proven leadership of permanent and seasonal workforces.
• Strong planning, organisational and decision‑making skills.
• Financial acumen with sound budget and cost control experience.
• Ability to analyse production data and drive continuous improvement.

Advantageous

• Relevant agricultural qualification.
• Citrus production experience.
• Experience with GlobalG.A.P., SIZA, GRASP or similar certification systems.