Production Manager

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