SUMMARY:
A well-established company involved in the growing, packing, exporting, importing, and distribution of fresh citrus, with an operational presence in South Africa, Argentina, and Spain, is seeking a motivated and energetic Grower Development Manager to lead the production of its citrus farming operations across 161 hectares in two South African regions, ensuring consistent yields, premium fruit quality, and full compliance with export market standards.
POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role: Must have a Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related discipline Minimum 3-5 years' experience in commercial citrus (or comparable perennial fruit) farming, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role over multiple farms or a large single operation Demonstrated track record managing farming operations across multiple sites, ideally in different regions. Strong technical knowledge of citrus production, integrated pest management, MRL requirements, and export market quality standards Prior experience working with or advising external growers is an advantage Deep, hands-on knowledge of citrus (or comparable perennial fruit) production Ability to earn credibility and trust with experienced growers through technical expertise and practical judgement Strong planning, organization, and decision-making skills under pressure Must have leadership and coaching skills to develop Farm Managers and their teams Excellent communication and relationship management skills Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret production, quality, and financial data Proficiency in Microsoft Office and farm management systems Must be comfortable with regular travel between the Western Cape and Eastern Cape The successful candidate will be responsible for: Leading the day-to-day production of three company-owned farms: 41 ha in Piketberg (Western Cape) and 120 ha in the Sundays River Valley (Eastern Cape) across two separate farms. Setting the annual production plan for each farm, including crop cycles, irrigation, nutrition, pest and disease management, pruning and thinning schedules, and harvest timing. Monitoring crop development, quality parameters, and yields throughout the season and implementing corrective actions where required. Ensuring all farming decisions are optimized against the requirements of target export markets. Maintaining accurate production, cost, and farm management records across all three farms. Leading, developing, and holding accountable three Farm Managers (one per farm). Setting clear operational and quality targets for each Farm Manager and reviewing performance regularly. Building technical capability across Farm Managers and general workers through coaching, in-field mentoring, and structured training. Ensuring safe, productive, and ethically compliant working environments across all farms. Building and maintaining trusted advisory relationships with approximately 10-15 external growers whose fruit is procured by the company. Visiting each grower on a scheduled cadence during the season to assess orchard condition, harvest readiness, and quality parameters. Verifying grower certifications (Global G.A.P., SIZA, and other required standards) are current and in good standing. Monitoring and reviewing grower spray programs to ensure compliance with the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of all target export markets. Providing technical guidance to growers on crop protection, harvest timing, and orchard management practices. Advising growers on harvest decisions, including which fruit should be picked and packed, which should be sorted, and which should be left in the field, based on quality standards and market requirements. Communicating market and program requirements clearly to growers to ensure their fruit meets commercial commitments. Ensuring full compliance across all company farming operations and grower supply with food safety, quality assurance, MRL, environmental, health and safety standards. Coordinating audits and inspections and ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly and permanently. Coordinating closely with the Packing Manager to align harvest timing with packhouse schedules across all sites. Supplying timely and accurate information to the commercial team on quality, size distribution, and yield forecasts from both company farms and grower supply. Working with the Quality Assurance and Logistics teams to ensure an integrated flow from field to customer. Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.
