Purpose of the role :
We seek an experienced leader to execute the operational plan of the production units of our client, through the effective utilization of all its natural, human and financial resources to maximize profits. The incumbent must demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills, financial management and human resources management skills. The incumbent shall have the ability to develop and implement plans aimed at ensuring sustainable and continuous yield, quality improvement and production cost management.
Key Accountabilities :
Short Term Plans
Control cost and drive monthly KPI reporting on picking, pruning, fertilizer, irrigation, chemical applicationOrchard performance Evaluation -yield, quality, and production cost.Coach and mentor, the teamManaging and reporting on the implementation of orchard improvement action trackersMedium Term Plans
Replant development need analysis.Water use and electricity use analysisIdentifying and implementation of value adding initiativesMaintenance of current establishmentSoil and tree health survey by AGES or AeroboticsOther Operational Activities
Develop and implement picking / pruning management system and reportingPest and disease monitoring and controlWarehouse management and stock controlFertiliser and chemical recommendation and applicationIrrigation recommendation and applicationHealth and SafetyAccept and execute 8(2) Role and ResponsibilitiesManagement and implementation of HSMSDelivery on Group set objective and goals.Support and achieve and maintenance ISO45001 certification SA Production unitsPeople ManagementInstil discipline within the management and labour force.Setting clear and detailed individual performance agreements, management subordinate, coach, and mentor the team.Responsibility for the application of legal and fair labour relation practices, to ensure a peaceful working environment.Developing successors for critical positions.Create a healthy labour relations environment through continuous employee engagement.Financial and Business ManagementCollaborate and participate in setting-up budgets, monitor, allocate resources, review and making monthly estimates adjustments.Prepare monthly and / or project finance report for management to provide insight into the company.Contribute to the business profitability by managing people and resources, to establish and accomplish business unit objective set targets, in accordance with budget and industry norms.Infrastructure Management and ComplianceInfrastructure
Ensure that statutory obligations, including but not limited to, Dam safety, building registration, EIA, Water Rights, Roads, transport, electricity supply and use, etc.Manage the planning, design and implementation of all production related projects.Create an inclusive culture.D365 Use and ImplementationFarm costing on block levelFarming SolutionsH&S SystemCapital Projects
Conduct and compile feasibility studies for new projects and / or developments.Engagement with internal managers for Capital requirementsTechnical Review of capital projects (Capex Requests)Setup Business cases, Capex requests and execute projects timeously and within budget.Continuous ImprovementConstant performance evaluation of farming practices / activities.Develop and implement process flows for all activities.Communicating water use entitlements to various farm managers.Work with newly established Continuous Improvement Department.Liaise with all institutions involved in our operation, to ensure that all available technology and resources are effectively integrated with production practices.Co-ordinate the practical implementation of promising research results and relevant literature into production practices.Identify areas of future research and motivate for their adoption into the research programs.Education :
Degree in Agricultural Sciences or similarPost graduate qualification will be advantageousManagement and Leadership Development Programme is desirableExperience :
At least 5-10-years’ experience in operational environment, preferably agricultureAvo experience essentialExperience in managing senior managers essentialAt least 5-years’ experience in role or similar roles on Health and Safety.About 2–3-years’ experience with an ERP system or similarComputer literate – Expert level (MS office)Valid driver’s license and own transportBehavioural Competencies :
Ability to manage an export subtropical fruit businessGood people management skills across all levels of the businessDetailed knowledge of external accreditation requirements for export to the EUFinancial planning and controlKnowledge of the legal framework for farming operations in South AfricaPerson of integrity, passion for work, excellence and successExcellent communicatorGood Business acumenResults driven team playerCompetent to assess situations and ability to make decisionsWillingness to travelAbility to work under constant pressureSelf-starter and ability to work independently and as part of a teamAnalytical problem-solving abilityAttention to detail