Production Manager

Founded in 2020, Groenewald Agri is a dynamic family-operated fruit farming business producing high-quality apples and pears for export to over 40 international markets. Situated between Villiersdorp and Riviersonderend in the Western Capes prime fruit-growing region, the company has grown from one farm to five productive units. With continued expansion and a strong focus on orchard performance and quality standards, Groenewald Agri is looking to appoint a Production Manager to strengthen its operations in the Overberg.

The incumbent will be responsible for the overall daily management, productivity, efficiency, and quality on the farm production unit to ensure that it produces and delivers quality fruit and meets production targets. This includes managing the employees on the specific production unit in terms of task planning, giving instructions, monitoring performance and supervision. The incumbent also takes responsibility for tasks related to planting and preservation of the orchards on the production unit.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all orchard production activities from planting to harvest, ensuring optimal yields and fruit quality

• Oversee harvest planning, crop estimates and packhouse coordination

• Manage and develop production teams, including workforce planning, performance management, and labour cost control

• Implement and monitor irrigation, fertilisation, and water management programmes

• Lead daily operational planning and report on production performance to senior management

• Oversee maintenance of machinery, infrastructure and farm assets

• Manage budgets, stock control, procurement and cost management

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards

Requirements:

• Matric (minimum); relevant tertiary qualification advantageous

• 3-5 years experience in a similar agricultural management role

• Proven managerial and personnel management experience

• Experience in farm management, budgeting and operational planning

• Practical knowledge of fruit production processes

• Advanced knowledge of fruit trees (apples and pears advantageous)

• Sound understanding of fruit tree cycles and water management

• Strong leadership and people management skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

• Good problem-solving, decision-making and organisational skills

• Effective time management and multi-tasking ability

• Ability to coordinate projects, delegate tasks and maintain discipline

• Numerically competent and computer literate

• Hard-working, detail-oriented and able to perform under pressure

• Practical, logical thinker with initiative and ability to work independently

• Team player who is assertive, honest and trustworthy