Operations Manager - Citrus Production

SUMMARY:

A well-established large-scale commercial citrus enterprise is seeking an Operational Manager to be responsible for holding 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 a strong field presence with sharp commercial judgement and can unite people, systems, planning, and execution into a single, high-performing production operation.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role: Must have a Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Citrus Production, Agricultural Management, or related discipline; Additional qualifications in Citrus Production, Irrigation, Food Safety, or Management are advantageous Minimum 10-15 years in commercial citrus production, including 5-8 years in a senior production or operational leadership role Must have 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 is essential Experience within Southern Africa farming environments is advantageous The successful candidate will be responsible for: Developing and executing the long-term citrus production strategy. Leading varietal, rootstock, orchard replacement, and expansion planning. Aligning production plans with the company's growth and commercial objectives. Directing orchard production and overall yield performance across the estate. Overseeing irrigation and fertigation strategy, scheduling, and efficiency. Leading crop protection and integrated pest management programmes. Managing labour, resources, and operational infrastructure. Ensuring compliance with food safety standards and full export readiness. Leading, developing, and holding accountable a team of Production Managers. Embedding data-driven decision-making and a culture of continuous improvement. Proposing and managing capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects to enhance return on investment (ROI). Preparing and managing production budgets. Driving monthly crop forecasting, harvest planning, and seasonal production execution. Controlling operational costs and identifying cost-saving opportunities. 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.