Research Site Manager – Greytown

About the role

The Research Site Manager will lead the day‑to‑day operations of Starke Ayres' research farm in Greytown. This role combines farm management, plant breeding activities, and health & safety oversight to ensure high‑quality seed production and reliable data collection.

Key responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate staff activities, payroll processing, and record‑keeping.
• Supervise temporary and outsourced farm labour, manage contracts, attendance, overtime and leave schedules.
• Recruit temporary staff in line with labour needs and ensure compliance with recruitment regulations.
• Organise rosters, schedule tasks, and oversee daily farm operations.
• Execute breeding programmes in tunnels, net houses and open‑field trials.
• Monitor plant health, record wilting, stress, nutritional or chemical issues, and produce regular health reports with photographs.
• Ensure accurate and timely collection of plant, flower, fruit, seed and yield data.
• Manage procurement of chemicals, fertilizers, safety equipment and other supplies within budget.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety legislation and promote a safe workplace.
• Assist field supervisors with preparation, fertilisation, irrigation, pest control and equipment needs.
• Oversee routine and emergency maintenance of buildings, irrigation, generators and related infrastructure.

Required profile

• Grade 12 qualification (essential); Agricultural Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 3 years experience in farm management or similar agricultural role.
• Strong knowledge of tunnel growing techniques.
• Computer literacy for payroll and data management.
• Ability to lead a team and maintain high productivity.

Required skills

• Tunnel Growing
• Computer literate