The Role
Lead and optimize day-to-day farm operations including planting, pruning, harvesting, fertigation, pest control, crop health monitoring, equipment maintenance, budgeting, compliance (GAP, SIZA), and managing senior team leaders and operational staff to meet production, quality, safety, and financial targets.
Summary Generated by Built In
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
- 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 us?
- 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, ideally commercial farming
- Experience across full crop production cycle (land preparation to harvesting)
- Experience in berry or fruit production
- 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
- Highly organised with strong planning and coordination ability
- Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships
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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.
