Trial Farm Manager Vegetables

SUMMARY:

A well-established international Seed Producer is seeking the above to be responsible for managing the station in a way that ensures team members are performing well and feeling supported, and that processes are executed in the most efficient and safe manner, in accordance with company policies, in order to create an optimal environment for the execution of breeding, production, and/or commercial trials.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a relevant degree in Agriculture
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant work experience in crop management
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to supervise workers
• Demonstrated experience in project management and team leadership is essential
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English (Read, Write, Speak)
• Proficiency in organization, planning and solving problems
• Must have a strong focus on building and maintaining long-term professional relationships

• Being hierarchically responsible for all personnel working at the station(s) in the country or station.
• Performing team management tasks, including managing team member focus points, coaching team members, monitoring individual progress, and supporting and following up on team members during extraordinary circumstances such as long-term absences or reintegration.
• Being involved in or responsible for formulating the station strategy regarding innovation, investments, and expansions.
• Preparing, drafting, and presenting strategic plans for the station.
• Taking strategic decisions related to innovation, investments, and expansions concerning the station(s).
• Preparing cost and budget overviews for the station(s).
• Managing inventory and purchasing of machinery and goods.
• Following up monthly on costs.
• Analyzing relevant data and proposing measures to increase efficiency.
• Being responsible for procedures and protocols within the station.
• Gathering initiatives and drafting proposals for process optimization.
• Monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting standard work processes as necessary.
• Leading investment and change projects, encouraging employees to think tactically about future machines and changes, and contributing to implementation.
• Encouraging employees to translate operational bottlenecks into improvement proposals.
• Creating time and space for employees to develop improvement initiatives and integrate them into daily work.
• Being responsible for the cultivation and maintenance of crops and facilities.
• Implementing trial plans provided by Breeding, Product Development, or Production departments.
• Defining the sequence of activities, mapping, and dividing plots.
• Managing day-to-day station activities, including field preparation, sowing, transplanting, nutrition, pest and disease control, crop management, general field maintenance, and crop rotation.
• Maintaining equipment and greenhouses and preparing the long-term maintenance plan for the station.
• Implementing safety and hygiene procedures according to law and internal procedures.
• Maintaining communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Keeping close contact with Managing Directors, Breeding Managers, Breeders, Product Development Managers, Production Managers, and other colleagues, and regularly informing them of important developments in trials and the station.
• Maintaining relationships with municipalities, governmental authorities, suppliers, and other external stakeholders.
• Being responsible for a project as project leader or participating as a project team member.
• Leading or contributing to projects involving the planning and implementation of technological innovations, such as greenhouse automation, hydroponic systems, GSPP, or station (re)construction in line with Goal! principles.
• Being responsible as project leader for project results in close cooperation with the project owner.
• Defining the project team, drafting the project plan, planning and defining milestones, executing, administering, analyzing, and reporting on the project as project leader.
• Evaluating completed projects with regard to content and process.