The Role
Lead day-to-day farm operations for berry production: plan and supervise planting, pruning, harvesting, fertigation, pest control; monitor crop health, maintain equipment, manage budgets, ensure compliance with GAP/SIZA, and lead teams to meet production and quality targets.
Summary Generated by Built In
Lulamanzi Berries 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
- Grade 12 (essential)
- 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
Why join Lulamanzi Berries?
- 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
Skills Required
- Grade 12
- Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or related field
- Additional certifications in irrigation, plant production, scouting, or similar
- 3-5 years relevant farm management experience in a commercial farming environment
- Strong experience across the full crop production cycle (land preparation to harvesting)
- Experience in berry or fruit production
- 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)
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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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.
