Junior Production Manager - Fruit Farm

About the role

United Exports is seeking a passionate Junior Production Manager to join its production team at a fruit farm near Wellington. The role suits someone with hands-on farming experience who wants to develop leadership skills while helping produce high-quality fruit crops. The successful candidate supports the planning, coordination, supervision and administration of key farming activities, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with industry standards.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily farming activities: planting, fertigation, chemical application, harvesting, pruning, pest and disease management, and soil and leaf analysis
• Inspect production areas, monitor crop maturity against targets and maintain them to the highest standards
• Help implement the farm's strategic and operational plans, set section goals and use resources efficiently
• Schedule daily activities for senior team leaders, assist with inductions, monitor attendance and performance, coach and mentor staff, and ensure health and safety compliance
• Maintain production and operational records and file documentation correctly
• Inspect and maintain farm equipment and machinery safely
• Keep Global G.A.P., SIZA and internal quality standards, and comply with company policies and best practices

Required profile

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate (essential)
• Diploma or degree in Agriculture, Horticulture or a related field (preferred)
• 2-4 years of farm management experience in a commercial farming environment
• Experience across crop production from land preparation to harvesting; fruit or berry production experience is advantageous
• Relevant certifications such as irrigation, crop scouting or plant production (advantageous)

Required skills

• Horticultural and fruit production knowledge and understanding of GAP
• Basic financial management and knowledge of labour legislation
• Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Leadership, communication, planning, problem-solving and attention to detail