Senior Greenhouse Operations Lead - Innovation & Growth

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Performance-based incentives

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Horticulturalist to lead our client’s advanced greenhouse operations, optimizing high‑value crops in a controlled environment.

You will manage a team of technicians, develop cultivation plans, monitor crop health, apply IPM, and collaborate with R&D to improve yields and quality using data analytics and cutting-edge greenhouse technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Horticulture or related field.
• 6+ years in commercial horticultural production, greenhouse focus.
• Experience with hydroponic or substrate-based systems.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficient with greenhouse management software and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license for farm activities in Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations for assigned crops.
• Develop cultivation plans including nutrient management and irrigation scheduling.
• Lead, train, and mentor horticultural technicians and greenhouse staff.
• Monitor crop health and implement IPM strategies.
• Ensure high crop quality, yield, and consistency.
• Manage inventory of growing media, fertilizers, and supplies.
• Maintain calibration of environmental control systems and irrigation equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D on trials and cultivation techniques.
• Maintain records of inputs, yields, and quality control data.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in Stellenbosch.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Plant physiology

Hydroponics

IPM

Data analysis

Greenhouse software

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Tools

Greenhouse management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Horticulturalist to lead our client’s advanced greenhouse operations, optimizing high‑value crops in a controlled environment.

You will manage a team of technicians, develop cultivation plans, monitor crop health, apply IPM, and collaborate with R&D to improve yields and quality using data analytics and cutting-edge greenhouse technology.