Nursery Operations Manager

A large fruit tree nursery in the Eastern Free State has an excellent career opportunity available for an Operations Manager to join their team. Reporting to the Managing Director, the role will entail overseeing the day-to-day operations at the nursery with a focus on organisation and general management, ensuring resources are used effectively and efficiently. The nursery currently produces of half a million trees annually for supply to commercial growers in South Africa as well as over 1 million various rootstocks, with a work force of 80 permanent staff, plus seasonal casual workers. Key aspects will include: Staff management- scheduling, task delegation, discipline, wages and related administration; Budgeting and reporting; Procurement and inventory management; Facilities management- drawing up and implementing maintenance and repair schedules for farm buildings, roads, irrigation infrastructure, vehicles etc. Oversight of nursery operations- grafting and grafting material, tree propagation, propagation and harvesting of rootstocks, budwood production, pest and disease management, irrigation management, stock control; Preparation for successful certification audits.
Requirements:
At least 3-5 years of experience at management level within the horticultural industry; Proven track record of managing and motivating a large labour force; Excellent administration skills and financial acumen; Strong general agricultural business management experience is preferred- must be able to plan, budget, manage and report to drive efficiency and effectiveness; Good communication skills (spoken & written English) and computer literacy; A solid background in hands-on horticulture/ agriculture with exposure to the intensity of commercial nursery operations; Exceptional organisational and time management skills.