Assistant Farm Manager

Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Westfalia Fruit Estate, situated in Limpopo, Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced:

Assistant Farm Manager

Purpose of the role:

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Assistant farm Manager will oversee the efficient and sustainable management of the production unit (Avocadoes and Macadamias) through the effective utilisation of all its natural, human and financial resources in order to maximise production yields and quality whilst controlling costs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full year farming program, including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, pest control, and harvesting.
• Ensure optimal utilization of human, financial, and natural resources.
• Maintain high production yields and fruit quality through best farming practices.
• Recruit, train, and develop both permanent and seasonal employees.
• Implement a performance management system, including setting objectives, measuring performance, and providing feedback.
• Ensure compliance with fair labour practices and manage disciplinary processes.
• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and scheduling of irrigation systems.
• Interpret soil and irrigation readings for efficient water usage.
• Manage the fertilizer application program, ensuring correct quantities and timing.
• Ensure adherence to industry accreditations (GlobalGAP, Health & Safety, Ethical Standards).
• Maintain audit records and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage daily operations, production planning, and maintenance of dehusking equipment.
• Optimize throughput, minimize downtime, and control operational costs.
• Oversee budgeting, financial tracking, and resource allocation for the plant.

Education:

• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working on a subtropical fruit farm.
• Training in farming accreditations relevant to export fruit production

Experience:

• Over 3 years’ experience managing a subtropical fruit farm
• Experience in Low-flow drip irrigation and fertigation is essential
• Working experience managing a macadamia de-husking and drying facility
• Working experience on Microsoft, and experience on D365 would be advantageous
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving offroad
• Labour management and basic labour laws
• General knowledge of the Health & Safety Act

Behavioural Competencies:

• Self-motivated, hardworking, and energetic
• Good communication both written and verbal
• Integrity, passion for work, excellence and success
• Service oriented individual that can work under pressure and in a team environment
• Able to work with minimum supervision
• Passionate about high quality fruit production

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises of provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 10 March 2025.

NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 31 March 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.