Production Manager

United Exports; Mookgophong; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

United Exports is seeking a passionate Production Manager to lead and optimise our berry farming operations in Limpopo. You will oversee daily activities, manage senior teams, ensure production targets and quality standards, and drive safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced farming environment.

Join a hands-on leadership team focused on operational excellence and returns, while fostering growth and adherence to regulatory and company-specific quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 is essential.
• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years’ farm management experience in a commercial farming environment.
• Experience across full crop production cycle (land prep to harvest).
• Berry/fruit production experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and supervise all farming activities (planting, pruning, harvesting, fertigation, pest/disease control).
• Monitor crop health via soil and leaf analysis.
• Ensure production targets and quality standards are met.
• Oversee maintenance of production areas and equipment.
• Coordinate activities with technical, engineering and maintenance teams.
• Assist with production budgeting and cost control.
• Monitor performance and report financial trends and variances.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead senior team leaders and operational staff; coach and manage performance.
• Ensure workforce planning meets operational needs and enforce safety and compliance standards.
• Maintain accurate production records and reports; ensure compliance with GAP, SIZA and company requirements.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Planning and coordination

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

MS Office

Education

Grade 12

Diploma or Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture

Irrigation certification (advantageous)

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Our farm is looking for a passionate and experienced Production Manager to lead and optimise our farm operations.

As a key member of our leadership team, you will oversee daily agricultural activities, manage teams, and ensure the delivery of high-quality production in line with our strategic objectives.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced farming environment and is committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Outputs

Production & Operations

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise all farming activities including planting, pruning, harvesting, fertigation, and pest/disease control
• Monitor crop health and performance through soil and leaf analysis
• Ensure production targets and quality standards are achieved
• Oversee maintenance of production areas and farming equipment
• Coordinate activities with technical, engineering, and maintenance teams

Business & Financial Management

• Assist with production budgeting and cost control
• Monitor performance and report on financial trends and variances
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and manage senior team leaders and operational staff
• Drive team performance through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
• Ensure workforce planning meets operational needs
• Enforce safety, policies, and compliance standards

Administration & Compliance

• Maintain accurate production records and reports
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g. Global G.A.P., SIZA)
• Uphold quality standards, including company-specific requirements

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Grade 12 (essential)
• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field (preferred)
• Additional certifications in irrigation, plant production, scouting, or similar (advantageous)
• 3–5 years’ relevant farm management experience, ideally within a commercial farming environment
• Strong experience across the full crop production cycle (land preparation to harvesting)
• Experience in berry or fruit production (highly advantageous)

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Solid understanding of horticultural and fruit production practices
• Knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and crop production principles
• Basic financial management and budgeting capabilities
• Working knowledge of HR legislation relevant to farming operations
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organised with strong planning and coordination ability
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Results-driven with a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships

Why join us?

• Be part of a progressive, quality-driven berry production business
• Opportunity to lead impactful agricultural operations
• Work in a collaborative and growth-focused environment
• Develop your career in a thriving and specialised farming sector