The Role
Manage commercial berry farm production from planting through harvesting, including fertigation, irrigation, pruning, pest and disease control, crop performance, quality, budgets, equipment, compliance, and workforce scheduling. Lead supervisors and production teams, drive safety and continuous improvement, coordinate with technical departments, monitor KPIs and expenditures, and ensure adherence to SIZA, Global G.A.P., and company standards.
Summary Generated by Built In
Are you an experienced agricultural professional with a passion for crop production, people leadership, and operational excellence? We are seeking a dynamic Production Manager on Indigo Berries, to lead and oversee farm production operations, ensuring optimal crop performance, quality standards, and team productivity.
Reporting directly to the General Manager, the successful candidate will play a critical role in managing day-to-day farm operations, supervising production teams, and driving both short and long-term business objectives.
Key Performance Outputs
Production Management
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee all production activities including planting, fertigation, pruning, harvesting, pest and disease management.
- Direct and support supervisors and team leaders across production sections.
- Monitor crop performance and production targets to ensure maximum yield and quality.
- Conduct soil and leaf analysis to support effective fertigation and crop health management.
- Coordinate growing activities with engineering, maintenance, technical teams, and other departments.
- Ensure production areas and infrastructure are maintained to company standards.
Business & Operational Management
- Contribute to strategic business planning and implementation of operational plans.
- Establish production goals and monitor progress against key performance indicators.
- Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the farm operation.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Assist in preparing and managing annual production budgets.
- Monitor expenditure and report variances and trends.
- Maintain accurate production records, reports, and documentation.
- Schedule and coordinate daily workforce activities.
People Management
- Lead, coach, mentor, and motivate production teams.
- Facilitate employee induction, training, and development.
- Monitor performance and implement performance management processes.
- Ensure workforce planning aligns with operational requirements.
- Promote a positive, safe, and productive working environment.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and certifications, including SIZA and Global G.A.P.
- Maintain adherence to company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
- Promote and enforce health and safety practices throughout the operation.
Asset Management
- Oversee the maintenance and effective utilisation of farm machinery and equipment.
- Identify equipment and resource requirements and communicate purchasing needs to management.
- Ensure equipment is operated safely and maintained appropriately.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Grade 12 / Senior Certificate (essential).
- Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field (preferred).
- Additional certifications in farming-related disciplines such as irrigation, scouting, plant production, or similar will be advantageous.
Experience
- 3–5 years' farm management experience within a commercial farming environment.
- Proven experience across crop production activities, from land preparation through to harvesting and farm maintenance.
- Experience in berry or fruit crop production and harvesting practices is highly advantageous.
Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of horticultural and fruit production practices.
- Understanding of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
- Knowledge of fertigation, irrigation, pest and disease management.
- Basic financial and budget management skills.
- Knowledge of relevant labour legislation and health and safety requirements.
- Advanced computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Leadership Competencies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong planning, organisational, and coordination abilities.
- Proven leadership and team management capability.
- Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Results-driven with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
What We're Looking For
- The ideal candidate is a hands-on agricultural leader who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.
- You will be passionate about crop production, capable of leading large teams, and committed to driving productivity, quality, and continuous improvement across the farm.
Apply today and join a team dedicated to producing world-class agricultural products while delivering excellence in every aspect of farm operations.
Benefits
Skills Required
- Grade 12 or Senior Certificate
- 3–5 years of farm management experience in a commercial farming environment
- Experience across crop production activities from land preparation through harvesting and farm maintenance
- Strong knowledge of horticultural and fruit production practices
- Knowledge of fertigation and irrigation
- Knowledge of pest and disease management
- Understanding of Good Agricultural Practices
- Basic financial and budget management skills
- Knowledge of labour legislation and health and safety requirements
- Advanced computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Proven leadership and team management capability
- Diploma or degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field
- Additional certifications in irrigation, scouting, plant production, or related farming disciplines
- Experience in berry or fruit crop production and harvesting practices
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The Company
What We Do
United Exports is a global leader and vertically integrated company in the agricultural supply chain, specializing in fruit production and export, from breeding to distribution.
