SENIOR TECHNICAL MANAGER: FRUIT SUPPLY – BLUEBERRIES – STELLENBOSCH

Agricruitment Limited; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Agricruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Manager: Fruit Supply to lead the Fruit Supply function and grow a sustainable, high-quality soft fruit supply base in Stellenbosch. The role combines horticultural expertise with commercial acumen and strong grower relationship skills.

You will lead the Fruit Supply team, build long-term grower relationships, and drive strategy, forecasting and production improvements while working closely with Postharvest, Procurement, Sales,

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy or a related field.
• 5–10 years’ experience in the South African fruit industry, ideally in soft fruit or berries.
• Proven experience providing technical advice to commercial growers.
• 3–5 years’ people leadership experience in a technical or grower-facing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Fruit Supply team.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with growers.
• Drive Fruit Supply strategy, planting plans, forecasting and sustainable supply growth.
• Guide decisions on varieties, crop performance, regional suitability and production improvement.
• Provide senior technical support on complex grower and production matters.
• Use production, quality and commercial information to identify risks and opportunities.
• Work closely with Postharvest, Procurement, Sales, Finance and Variety Development to align supply with business and market requirements.

Skills

Grower relationships

Strategic thinking

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Analytical capability

Education

Agriculture degree

Horticulture/Agronomy degree

Job description

Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Reports to: General Manager

My Client is looking for an experienced, commercially minded and grower-focused Senior Technical Manager: Fruit Supply to lead and develop the Fruit Supply function and support the growth of a sustainable, high-quality soft fruit supply base. This role is suited to an agricultural professional who combines strong horticultural or agronomic expertise with commercial understanding, strategic thinking and excellent grower relationship skills.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Fruit Supply team.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with growers.
• Drive Fruit Supply strategy, planting plans, forecasting and sustainable supply growth.
• Guide decisions on varieties, crop performance, regional suitability and production improvement.
• Provide senior technical support on complex grower and production matters.
• Use production, quality and commercial information to identify risks and opportunities.
• Work closely with Postharvest, Procurement, Sales, Finance and Variety Development to align supply with business and market requirements.

What you will bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy or a related field.
• 5–10 years’ experience in the South African fruit industry, ideally in soft fruit or berries.
• Proven experience providing technical advice to commercial growers.
• 3–5 years’ people leadership experience in a technical or grower-facing environment.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical capability and stakeholder management skills.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly.

Berry experience is advantageous, although strong candidates from the wider fruit industry are encouraged to apply. If you are a technically credible agricultural leader who can operate confidently at both grower and senior management level, we would like to hear from you.