Production Manager – Chestnut Farm

Job objective

As the Production Manager you will play a critical role in the oversight of Vegetable crop production across the Farm site, holding responsibility for ensuring the right land preparation is achieved before planting for optimum crop establishment. In addition, the Production Manager is the link between the Packhouse and the Field in terms of timely product supply, quantity and quality issues and will lead the team in preparation for farm audits and customer visits. Ensuring that all customer complaints claims have been effectively investigated and effective root cause established.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Manage irrigation and scheduling of irrigation based on different crop requirements and stages of production. Reduction of water wastage from leaks and over irrigation.
• Lead the agronomy team to ensure that pest control is well managed and all pests and diseases are kept below threshold at all times.
• Direct the Farm’s crop nutrition in terms of implementation of fertilizer plans, composting / manure application and foliar feeding
• Manage the Field Managers working in the section and do regular staff performance of all team members.
• Ensure timely crop support, coiling, tucking, stringing and removal
• Maintain staff discipline and welfare in accordance with Company policies
• Be in charge of the Health and Safety of all employees.
• Plan all the farm/section operations for the month, week, and day in consultation with the Farm Manager.
• Ensure that all crop husbandries i.e. land preparation, planting, weeding, irrigation and spraying etc are done to the highest possible standard.
• Ensure that produce is picked on time, handled carefully and is of high quality in accordance with the Packhouse standards.
• Communicate with Packhouse daily and make regular visit to confirm quality issues.
• Ensure the company field operations adhere to customer standards (as per audit guidelines)
• Handle and address any deviation on standards (customer responses)
• Manage labour planning and allocations to ensure maximum efficiency as well as staff recruitment

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or Horticulture/ Diploma holders with extensive knowledge and experience.
• Over 5 years’ hands on experience in a Vegetable/ Horticulture Farm.
• Practical and decisive – understand how an effective and efficiently run growing operation can contribute to stronger overall business profitability.
• Ability to plan and meticulously organize the team to ensure optimum outcomes in adherence to quality, cost, and timeframe parameters.
• Excellent people management and communication skills.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with colleagues across the farm/ company.
• Good command of the English language, both verbal and written.
• High moral standing with impeccable integrity.
• Proficient Computer skills in MS Office applications, particularly with Excel.
• Excellent Leadership skills and management skills
• Analytical mindset, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and team player facilitating cross-functional collaboration.