Senior Horticultural Supervisor

Senior Horticultural Supervisor

Summary Our client, a well-established plantation with operations in Kenya and Tanzania is seeking to recruit a Senior Horticultural Supervisor to support the planning, coordination, and supervision of field operations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring all field and processing activities related to hybrid and open-pollinated production of baby corn, seed maize and cucurbit crops (such as watermelon, squash, pepper and tomato).

The role ensures high-quality seed production in compliance with company standards and certification guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement seasonal production programs, coordinate land selection, field layout, and crop scheduling, and ensure timely sowing, transplanting, pollination, harvesting, and post-harvest operations.

• Oversee hybrid seed activities including detasseling (seed maize), emasculation, and hand pollination (cucurbits).

• Monitor crop growth stages, conduct inspections for off-types, diseases, and pests, and maintain proper male-to-female ratios and pollination efficiency.

• Ensure seed quality parameters (genetic purity, germination, moisture, and physical purity) are met and maintain accurate field and production records.

• Supervise and train farm workers, providing technical guidance on crop management and hybrid seed production while ensuring labor efficiency and productivity.

• Manage harvesting, drying, shelling/extraction, cleaning, grading, packing, storage, and inventory of seeds.

• Ensure adherence to company SOPs, seed certification standards, and maintain documentation for audits and traceability.

• Prepare daily, weekly, and seasonal production reports and maintain accurate records for operational tracking and regulatory compliance.

• Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture / Seed Technology / Horticulture.

• 5–8+ years of experience in hybrid seed production, preferably in cucurbits and seed maize.

• Knowledge of pest and disease management in corn and cucurbit crops.

• Strong knowledge of hybridization techniques and seed certification standards.

• Experience in managing large-scale field operations.

• You MUST have a valid driving license with a motorbike endorsement and be proficient in riding.

• About the Employer

• Summit Recruitment and Search Africa is a leading Recruitment and Executive Search agency headquartered in Kenya providing outstanding talent to a wide range of companies and NGOs in various business sectors across Africa.

• We endeavour to make contact with all of our applicants, but unfortunately, high volumes of applications make this unrealistic. If you do not hear from us within two weeks your application has not been successful on this occasion. This does not mean you will not be considered for future roles so please keep an eye on our job board and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.

• Summit Recruitment and search Africa upholds a steadfast commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and equality as integral pillars of our operations. Dedicated to driving positive change through the adoption of sustainable practices that minimize our ecological footprint. We firmly believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that embraces individuals from all races, genders, and backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for every candidate. Summit recruitment actively advocate for equality by cultivating an environment of respect, fairness, and non-discrimination. By prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and equality, we aim to set a high industry standard and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

• Summit Recruitment & Search, as a policy, does not charge any fee as a pre-employment or post-employment requirement