Head Tomato Grower

HEAD GROWER

We have 9ha of greenhouses growing tomatoes hydropnically for the retailers. We need a senior manager to lead the production independently of the owners. Very important that the applicant is able to lead and manage ie he will be the boss and the buck stops with him. We envisage someone with at least 10 years experience at a senior level, have extensive experience in tomato production and must have a track record of leading a large team. He will have oversight of a workforce of 120 labourers supported by 6 managers and supervisors on two farming sites. He would need to be able to hold his own at director level

Salary around R40k plus incentives for yields. A 3 bedroom house and a farm bakkie over and above basic salary.

**1. Management**
- Provide leadership of all production departments.
- Maximise the output of all production facilities through the implementation of efficient operating procedures and practices
- Day to day management of greenhouse climate, fertigation strategy, Waste management
- Train junior growers to be able to manage the crops
- Ensure production processes continues 7 days per week

**2.Crop Management**.
- Planting schedules
- Fertigation strategy and plant nutrition - Priva fertigation system
- Climate management - optimum temperature & humidity control
- Disease identification and preventative action
- Oversee day to day cultivation, pest control and harvesting activities
- Ensure adequate sanitation and hygiene procedures are in place and operational
- Arrange regular analysis of water and plant material to facilitate early disease identification and optimise production
- Oversee propagation and seedling department in terms of growing the plants.
- Develop and implement biological control of pest and diseases

**3.R & D**
- Research new varieties and growing techniques and develop systems and practices which ensure the company maintains its position at the forefront of technology and production.
- Evaluation of new varieties and growing techniques through scientific trials
- Implement a process to produce crops organically
- Identification of training needs and staff development
- Evaluate and recommend improvements to current production systems

Pay: R40 000,00 - R60 000,00 per month

Application Deadline: 2024/06/30
Expected Start Date: 2024/08/01