HEAD OF PRODUCTION – CITRUS

An international citrus company is seeking a Head of Production to oversee their Citrus Farming operations in the Eastern Cape

The Head of Production will lead the farming operation and be responsible for producing good quality fruit by applying sustainable citrus farming standards and leveraging category wide best practices across all farms. The incumbent will report to the Managing Director/CEO and form part of the executive leadership team. This position will also work with specialists from Citri&Co corporate with regards to the technical aspects of the operations.

Key Requirements:

A minimum of 5 years experience at senior management level; leading a team.
A minimum of 5 years citrus farming experience
Must have been responsible for at least 500 hectares of citrus. Including all aspects People, Capex, Maintenance, Quality, Environmental, Irrigation, Fertilisers, Chemicals, etc
Must be excellent communicator and able to speak and write English and Afrikaans fluently
Must have sound skills with regards to IT MS Office programs
A degree in agriculture
Ability to build and maintain relationships internal and external of the organization
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

This individual will be responsible for profitability, cost management, return on capital investments, crop management, people management and equipment management by successfully mastering all the actions below:

Maximise return per hectare by increasing production of good quality fruit in a sustainable manner.
Coordinate and prepare recommendations on capital investments prioritising return on investment Monitor performance of return on capital
Manage process of new developments and replanting from planning to execution.
Develop and maintain agronomic and technical programs and management strategies that provide the requirements to grow fruit and ensure maximum yields are achieved, without compromising optimum quality and size
Implement process to ensure detail is provided to each farm regarding irrigation & drainage monitoring programs, spraying programs, fruit growth, quality assessment, crop estimation activities, harvest programs, canopy management, labour allocation, and maintenance programs.
Develop and manage a plan for the harvest of fruit balancing market demands, resources, and fruit readiness
Work hand in hand with commercial and packing to ensure that customer programs and requirements are met.
Manage the preparation of budgets, harvest estimates and associated reporting in detail and apply updates and changes to forecasts on a regular basis.
Review and report weekly and monthly income and expenses, harvest volume and crop estimates. Provide analysis on relevant deviations
Perform regular analysis of orchard performance and create detailed improvement plans.
Create a cost-conscious environment and improve efficiencies through continuous improvement and innovation
Review and approve purchases exceeding a certain value Negotiate with suppliers
Establish relationships with third party growers and provide technical knowledge needed to ensure that they produce a crop that will deliver maximum yields that are at the standards required by customers.
Set leadership standards and conduct staff appraisals and performance management. Identify training & development requirements for key positions.
Develop and initiate research and development projects and monitoring progress in conjunction with the Technical Manager
Develop and direct corrective activities where required with the objective of ensuing all safety, sustainability and operating plan requirements can continue to be achieved.
Ensure all farms and contractors comply with HSE policies and procedures, including the maintenance for a safe and healthy workplace for the protection off all employees.
Ensure that the maintenance programs for all facilities and equipment are in place and executed withing budget and required standards.
Other duties as required