Production Manager

The production manager is responsible for managing a team of supervisors (each supervising a section) who perform a variety of duties. The role entails daily planning, organisation, supervision, and administration of activities including planting, harvesting, pruning, fertigation, pest/disease management, and managing staff. This person is thus responsible for the financial and physical performance of the day-to-day operations and implementing the short and long-term business plans of the employer.

Key Performance Outputs:

• Strategic Implementation: Contribute to the development and execution of the business strategy by setting operational goals aligned with the company's objectives.
• Operational Oversight: Plan, organise and prioritise daily farming activities including planting, fertigation, chemical application, harvesting, and recordkeeping.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure smooth farm operations.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure adherence to industry standards, company policies, and quality assurance protocols including specific company standards.
• Team Leadership: Manage and guide senior team leaders ensuring workforce planning, performance monitoring, and employee development through coaching and mentoring.
• Financial Management: Assist in budget preparation, monitor financial performance, and report variances to the estate manager.
• Equipment and Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance, functionality, and procurement of machinery and equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Collaborate with other departments such as engineering and technical teams to streamline farming operations.
• Employee Integration and Compliance: Support onboarding processes, enforce adherence to safety regulations, and maintain workforce efficiency.
• Communication and Reporting: Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders, providing updates and maintaining accurate records of operations.

Requirements:

• Degree or Diploma in agriculture, horticulture, or related field preferred.
• Certificates in all other farming activities e.g. irrigation, scouting, plant production.

Experience:

• 3-5 years relevant farm production experience, ideally within a commercial farm setting. Preference will be given to those with experience farming Blueberries.
• Experience in crop production activities from land development to harvesting and farm maintenance.
• Knowledge of berry or fruit crop harvesting practices.

Minimum Education / Qualification: Senior certificate / grade 12 is essential; Degree or Diploma in agriculture, horticulture, or related field preferred. Certificates in all other farming activities, e.g. irrigation, scouting, plant production.

Key Skills:

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, Lean, Management Experience, 5S, Operations Management, Production Planning, Production Management, Kaizen, Supervising Experience, Manufacturing.