CITRUS OPERATIONS MANAGER

SUMMARY:
Selebi-Phikwe area, Cenral District – Botswana: Reporting into executive leadership, the Operational Manager – Production will hold full strategic and operational accountability for all citrus production across the enterprise. This is a hands-on senior leadership role for a seasoned citrus professional who combines strong field presence with sharp commercial judgement, and who can unite people, systems, planning, and execution into a single, high-performing production operation.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS A degree or diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Citrus Production, Agricultural Management, or a related discipline Additional qualifications in citrus production, irrigation, food safety, or management are advantageous 10-15 years in commercial citrus production, including 5-8 years in a senior production or operational leadership role A proven track record managing large-scale citrus operations(500ha+) and leading multiple Production Managers Deep expertise in irrigation, fertigation, crop forecasting, harvesting programmes, and export production systems Experience within Southern Africa farming environments is advantageous A confident, credible leader who develops high-performing teams Strategic and operational in equal measure, with strong planning and organisational discipline Calm, decisive, and accountable under the pressures of peak season A clear communicator and reporter with a data-led, improvement-focused mindset RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO Develop and execute the long-term citrus production strategy. Lead varietal, rootstock, orchard replacement, and expansion planning. Align production plans with the company's growth and commercial objectives. Direct orchard production and overall yield performance across the estate Oversee irrigation and fertigation strategy, scheduling, and efficiency Lead crop protection and integrated pest management programmes Manage labour, resources, and operational infrastructure Ensure compliance with food-safety standards and full export readiness Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of Production Managers Embed data-driven decision-making and a culture of continuous improvement Propose and manage capex projects to elevate ROI Prepare and manage production budgets. Drive monthly crop forecasting, harvest planning, and seasonal production execution Control operational costs and identify cost-saving opportunities. ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted