Production Manager

United Exports; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Production Manager to lead a team of supervisors in a dynamic farming environment. This role involves strategic planning, operational oversight, and risk management to ensure efficient farm operations. You will contribute to the development of business strategies while managing financial performance and compliance with quality assurance protocols. The ideal candidate will have a degree in agriculture or horticulture and several years of experience in crop production, particularly with blueberries. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and efficiency in farming practices.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant farm production experience, ideally in a commercial farm setting.
• Degree or Diploma in agriculture or horticulture preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily farming activities including planting, harvesting, and pest management.
• Oversee team leadership and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Continuous Improvement

Operations Management

Production Planning

Supervising Experience

Education

Degree or Diploma in Agriculture

Senior Certificate / Grade 12

Job description

The production manager is responsible for managing a team of supervisors (each supervising a section) who perform a variety of duties. The role entails daily planning, organisation, supervision, and administration of activities including planting, harvesting, pruning, fertigation, pest/disease management, and managing staff. This person is thus responsible for the financial and physical performance of the day-to-day operations and implementing the short and long-term business plans of the employer.

Key Performance Outputs:

• Strategic Implementation: Contribute to the development and execution of the business strategy by setting operational goals aligned with the company's objectives.
• Operational Oversight: Plan, organise and prioritise daily farming activities including planting, fertigation, chemical application, harvesting, and recordkeeping.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure smooth farm operations.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure adherence to industry standards, company policies, and quality assurance protocols including specific company standards.
• Team Leadership: Manage and guide senior team leaders ensuring workforce planning, performance monitoring, and employee development through coaching and mentoring.
• Financial Management: Assist in budget preparation, monitor financial performance, and report variances to the estate manager.
• Equipment and Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance, functionality, and procurement of machinery and equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Collaborate with other departments such as engineering and technical teams to streamline farming operations.
• Employee Integration and Compliance: Support onboarding processes, enforce adherence to safety regulations, and maintain workforce efficiency.
• Communication and Reporting: Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders, providing updates and maintaining accurate records of operations.

Requirements:

• Degree or Diploma in agriculture, horticulture, or related field preferred.
• Certificates in all other farming activities e.g. irrigation, scouting, plant production.

Experience:

• 3-5 years relevant farm production experience, ideally within a commercial farm setting. Preference will be given to those with experience farming Blueberries.
• Experience in crop production activities from land development to harvesting and farm maintenance.
• Knowledge of berry or fruit crop harvesting practices.

Minimum Education / Qualification: Senior certificate / grade 12 is essential; Degree or Diploma in agriculture, horticulture, or related field preferred. Certificates in all other farming activities, e.g. irrigation, scouting, plant production.

Key Skills:

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, Lean, Management Experience, 5S, Operations Management, Production Planning, Production Management, Kaizen, Supervising Experience, Manufacturing.