Western Cape: Farm Manager (Exotic fruit) posted by iStaff (Pty) Ltd

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Farm Manager to join our team at our Kiwi farm in the Western Cape. As a key member of our operations team, you will be responsible for managing the production plan, ensuring optimal crop yields, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the production plan for the Kiwi farm
• Irrigation: Scheduling and implementation of the irrigation according to the seasonal needs of the orchards. Probes and weather predictions form part of the scheduling model
• Fertigation/Fertilizer Applications: The implementation of the fertilizer programme as required and prescribed. To observe and react to any visual deficiency symptoms shown by the trees
• Labour: The management of the labour force in accordance with requirements by law as well as the prescribed standards of the company and for the health and safety of employees. It would also mean identifying suitable seasonal/contract labour for picking, pruning and any other tasks that require their input
• Pest Control: Implementation of the spray programme which will be prescribed after numerous and continuous group discussions pre and during the spray season
• Management of the infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, machinery, implements and equipment on the entire estate
• Supervise and train production staff (improve the skill set) in activities such as planting, fertilizing, pruning, spraying, harvesting and quality
• Participation in regular meetings and technical discussions.
• Ensure that all Kiwi production activities are carried out in accordance with safety and environmental regulations
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the production team and work closely with them to improve efficiency and productivity
• Ensure accurate records are kept, including crop yields, labour costs and crop inventory, Phytclean records, Global Gap
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, and agricultural officials
• Budget and cost controls. Keep within the norms of the agreed upon budgets

Requirements

• Proficient in English
• Degree in Agriculture or Elsenburg Diploma in a related field in agriculture
• Background in fruit farming with a minimum of 4 years’ managing in production operations
• Experience supervising and training production teams
• Strong knowledge of fruit farming techniques, equipment, and regulations
• Ability to manage budgets and operations
• Skilled in Excel, Word, Power Point
• Knowledge of Irrigation Systems, Netafim Fertigation Programmes, Irrigator Control Systems
• Good understanding of required export quality standards
• Willing to work irregular and long hours unique to the Kiwi season
• General business acumen
• High capacity to represent the business / ability to multitask
• Experience with Phytclean records and Global Gap

Qualifications

No qualifications mentioned in the original job description.