Production Manager

United Exports; Vaalwater; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

United Exports in Vaalwater, Limpopo is seeking a passionate Production Manager to lead and optimise our farm operations, overseeing daily activities, teams, and the delivery of high-quality production aligned with our strategic objectives.

This hands-on leadership role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced farming environment, committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement, with a track record in crop production and team development.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field (preferred).
• Basic MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint proficiency.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate production records and reports.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g. Global GAP, SIZA).

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning

Coordination

Problem solving

Detail orientation

Interpersonal skills

Team development

Education

Diploma/Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Vaalwater, South Africa

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

• 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
• 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