About the position
Westfalia Fruit Estates, situated in Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced Section / Farm Manager.
Westfalia Fruit is 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 #avo experts 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.
Purpose of the role:
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Section/Farm Manager will be responsible for managing the production unit (Avocados) through the effective utilisation of all its natural, human and financial resources to maximise production yields and quality whilst controlling costs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing an Avocado Farm
- Managing 80 - 200 employees
- Direct Reports: 2 Supervisors, 1 Clerk and Drivers.
- Responsible for the establishment of new and replanted orchards
- Responsible for irrigation installation and management
- Manage full-year farming programme relating to spraying, picking, irrigation, fertilising, pruning and related activities
- Oversee maintenance and in-field repairs
- Manage the use of human, financial and natural resources
- Ensure compliance with all farming accreditations and Health & Safety regulations
- Responsible for application of legal and fair labour relation practices to ensure labour stability on the section
- Manage the disciplinary processes
- Managing the land preparations plans or programmes.
- Implement and manage the performance management system
Minimum Requirements:
Education
- Matric Certificate
- Degree or Diploma in Agriculture or relevant qualification
- Training in the accreditations relevant to the production of export fruit and experience in the implementation of these accreditation
Experience
- Over 5 years' experience in Management position and managing/running a subtropical fruit farm
- Experience in running a production unit
- Reporting experience is essential
- Working experience on Microsoft and D365 or ERP System essential
- 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
- A 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 provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid and an option to structure an annual bonus.
Closing date for applications will be 23 January 2026.
NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 30 January 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.
Desired Skills:
