SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

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:

Operational Management

Short Term Plans

Control cost and drive monthly KPI reporting on picking, pruning, fertilizer, irrigation, chemical application
Orchard performance Evaluation -yield, quality, and production cost.
Coach and mentor, the team
Managing and reporting on the implementation of orchard improvement action trackers

Medium Term Plans

Replant development need analysis.
Water use and electricity use analysis
Identifying and implementation of value adding initiatives
Maintenance of current establishment
Soil and tree health survey by AGES or Aerobotics

Other Operational Activities

Develop and implement picking/pruning management system and reporting
Pest and disease monitoring and control
Warehouse management and stock control
Fertiliser and chemical recommendation and application
Irrigation recommendation and application

Health and Safety

Accept and execute 8(2) Role and Responsibilities
Management and implementation of HSMS
Delivery on Group set objective and goals.
Support and achieve and maintenance ISO45001 certification SA Production units

People Management

Instil 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 Management

Collaborate 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 Compliance

Infrastructure

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 Implementation
Farm costing on block level
Farming Solutions
H&S System

Capital Projects

Conduct and compile feasibility studies for new projects and/or developments.
Engagement with internal managers for Capital requirements
Technical Review of capital projects (Capex Requests)
Setup Business cases, Capex requests and execute projects timeously and within budget.

Continuous Improvement

Constant 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 similar

Post graduate qualification will be advantageous
Management and Leadership Development Programme is desirable

Experience:

At least 5-10-years’ experience in operational environment, preferably agriculture
Avo experience essential
Experience in managing senior managers essential
At least 5-years’ experience in role or similar roles on Health and Safety.
About 2–3-years’ experience with an ERP system or similar
Computer literate – Expert level (MS office)
Valid driver’s license and own transport

Behavioural Competencies:

Ability to manage an export subtropical fruit business
Good people management skills across all levels of the business
Detailed knowledge of external accreditation requirements for export to the EU
Financial planning and control
Knowledge of the legal framework for farming operations in South Africa
Person of integrity, passion for work, excellence and success
Excellent communicator
Good Business acumen
Results driven team player
Competent to assess situations and ability to make decisions
Willingness to travel
Ability to work under constant pressure
Self-starter and ability to work independently and as part of a team
Analytical problem-solving ability
Attention to detail

Farming Operations Manager