The position is responsible for the financial and physical performance of the farm by managing the operations of the entire estate through effective planning and implementing policies and procedures as set out by the Group to ensure that production targets are achieved.
It is the farm manager’s responsibility to ensure the farm runs efficiently and profitably through effective planning, organisation, supervision, and administration of activities on the farm.

Skills and competencies includes:

Functional / Technical Horticultural practices and a technical understanding of fruit production functions Strong computer literacy: MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Good agricultural practices and crop production Good financial management Basic human resources legislation, especially those relevant to everyday operations (e.g., absenteeism, leave, health and safety, working hours) Leadership / Behavioural
The ability to self-drive and self-motivate while building the business Detail and results orientated Open mindedness and the ability to embrace precision farming Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent planning and organisational skills Strong people-management, relationship building and interpersonal relations skills Good communication skills; verbal and written Motivated to continuously learn Key performance:

Business management- organisation, coordination and control
Contribute to the development of fruit production strategic objectives Translate these objectives into operational plans with specific targets Monitor and control operational plans to ensure effective implementation Ensure long- and short-term operations objectives are formulated within the framework of the fruit production business strategy and objectives Formulate a comprehensive resource plan Control the acquisition, deployment and allocation of key resources in line with coordinated farming activities Ensure efficient and effective planning of the deployment of people, materials, equipment and expertise Ensure day-to-day farming activities are well coordinated and monitored to ensure operating best practices are adhered to Production management
Effectively and efficiently manage the production of the farm as per plan and forecasts Ensure the maintenance of the farm as per procedures Ensure coordinated operational activities Quality management
Ensure quality assurance as per the Quality Prioritize activities that maximize the quality of the fruit Project management
Effectively Manage the planning, budget and execution of new plantings and infrastructure builds Ensure projects are delivered within budget and on time Ensure projects meet all quality standards Ensure projects are operationalised within agreed timelines once completed Risk management and compliance
Ensure and monitor that risk mitigation measures are in place, adhered to, and monitored regularly Ensure compliance with all company’s policies, procedures and practices in additions to third-party audits and legislation requirements, i.e., Global G.A.P. etc Determine procedural changes for greater efficiency and accuracy Administration and finance – suppliers and service providers
Consult with Technical department on horticultural best practices Ensure alignment between external service providers and best-practice information gathered from technical department Monitor that suppliers and service providers deliver on quantity and quality expectations in line with resource plans Administration and finance – budget control
Draft the annual budget for the farming unit and present it timeously to key stakeholders Monitor income and costs monthly with deviations analysed and forecasts updated Report relevant budget information to the Board of Directors and Finance department when required Monitor that all expenditures are in line with the budget and operational requirements as well as adhere to the Delegation of Authority Operate within the approved budgets Human resources management
Plan and roll out annual optimal and cost-effective resource plan Ensure headcount related costs are in line with budget Implement and take accountability for all HR policies, procedures and initiatives and ensure that control measures are in place to monitor progress Identify relevant training needs Motivate employees to create a culture of commitment Promote the culture and values of the organisation through own actions and behaviour Set performance standards in collaboration with employees and monitor performance Ensure an adequate workforce for the efficient and effective operation of the farm Monitor and enforce employee adherence to employer’s Policies, legislation, procedures and practices Asset management
Purchase machinery, equipment, and supplies, such as tractors, seed, fertiliser and chemicals within budget and within guidelines provided Effective operational management Systems management
Ensure that systems are in place to ensure effective information gathering Ensure that system and process control measures are in place and implemented to maintain data and information integrity Ensure that relevant data requirements are available to implement operational plans