Production Manager - Kiwi Fruit

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Production Manager

Area: Grabouw, Western Cape

Salary: +-R40K CTC p.m. (depending on experience)

Our client in the Grabouw/ Elgin area is a Kiwi Farm, looking for a dynamic Production Manager to join their team.

Summary of the role

As a Kiwi Production Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the production and overall operations of a Kiwi farm. You will be expected to provide leadership to the team and ensure that all goals are met in a timely and efficient manner.

Key Performance Areas (KPA’s)

• Develop and manage the production plan for the Kiwi farm.
• Irrigation:
  • Scheduling and implementation of the irrigation according to the seasonal needs of the orchards. Probes and weather predictions form part of the scheduling model.
• Fertigation/Fertilizer Applications:
  • The implementation of the fertilizer programme as required and prescribed. To observe and react to any visual deficiency symptoms shown by the trees.
• Labour:
  • The management of the labour force in accordance with requirements by law as well as the prescribed standards of the company and for the health and safety of employees. It would also mean identifying suitable seasonal/contract labour for picking, pruning and any other tasks that require their input.
• Pest Control:
  • Implementation of the spray programme which will be prescribed after numerous and continuous group discussions pre and during the spray season.
• Management of the infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, machinery, implements and equipment on the entire estate.
• Supervise and train production staff (improve the skill set) in activities such as planting, fertilizing, pruning, spraying, harvesting and quality.
• Participation, interaction, contribution, and positive attitude towards the management team.
• Participation in regular meetings and technical discussions.
• Ensure that all Kiwi production activities are carried out in accordance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the production team and work closely with them to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Ensure accurate records are kept, including crop yields, labour costs and crop inventory, Phytclean records, Global Gap etc.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, and agricultural officials.
• Budget and cost controls. Keep within the norms of the agreed upon budgets.

Qualifications

• Must be proficient in a tertiary education -such as a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or Elsenburg Diploma in a related field in agriculture would be preferable.

Knowledge & Experience

• Background in fruit farming with a minimum of 4 years’ managing in production operations.
• Experience supervising and training production teams.
• Strong knowledge of fruit farming techniques, equipment, and regulations.
• Ability to manage budgets and operations efficiently.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Computer skills in Excel, Word, Power Point.
• Knowledge of Irrigation Systems, Netafim Fertigation Programmes, Irrigator Control Systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good understanding of required export quality standards.
• Willing to work irregular and long hours unique to the Kiwi season.
• General business acumen

Skills Required:

• Facilitation, Coordination & Analysis.
• Liaison & Communication.
• High capacity to represent the business.
• Ability to multitask.
• Remain attentive in an often-busy environment.
• Be naturally calm and focused.
• Be versatile if participation in other types of activity is required.
• Managing an integrated team
• Basic usage of Microsoft Office (Including Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook).

Behavioural Competency Requirements

• Achievement/Results driven.
• Flexibility.
• Initiative.
• Integrity.
• Stress tolerance (resilience).
• Conflict management.
• Team leadership / People management.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem solving.
• Quality service/work management.
• Planning & organising.
• Self-Management.

Job Ergonomic Requirements & Remuneration/Grading

• Reports to the General Manager - Farming
• Work on the Farm that is interactive and busy with multiple tasks taking place simultaneously.
• Permanent salaried position.
• Benefits: Housing, profit sharing & competitive salary.