Key Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in production, plant, inventory, or operations management, preferably within an agricultural or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in the seed industry, with a strong understanding of seed production, processing, quality control, and agricultural operations.
• Must hold an SCCI Licensed Inspector qualification and have practical knowledge of seed quality and regulatory requirements.
• Strong experience in inventory management, supply chain operations, logistics, and production planning, with hands-on experience using SAP or a similar supply chain management system.
• Experience managing growers, production teams, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure production targets are achieved.
• Demonstrated experience managing production budgets, monitoring costs, and ensuring compliance with approved production plans.
• Strong understanding of agricultural production practices, including crop monitoring, pest and disease control, harvesting, seed quality, and field inspections.
• Experience coordinating production activities to meet required volumes, quality standards, and delivery timelines for both domestic and export markets.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple operational priorities, and provide effective leadership in a hands-on environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee field production and operational activities, ensuring production plans are implemented effectively and targeted volumes are achieved within the required timelines.
• Recruit, coordinate, and manage suitable growers while maintaining effective relationships and ensuring grower agreements, production requirements, and payment processes are properly managed.
• Monitor crop development and field activities, including crop health, pest and disease control, rogueing, detasseling, inspections, harvesting, and other activities required to maintain high-quality seed production.
• Coordinate seed processing, conditioning, quality assurance, packaging, and inventory activities to ensure quality-cleared seed is processed and available for delivery on time.
• Manage inventory accuracy through regular stock takes, reconciliations, and effective monitoring of parent seed, processed seed, packaging materials, and related stock.
• Coordinate logistics and supply chain activities, ensuring imports, exports, customer orders, and dispatches are completed within agreed timelines and accompanied by the required documentation.
• Work closely with quality, parent seed, processing, logistics, and supply chain functions to ensure production plans are aligned and operational requirements are met.
• Liaise with relevant regulatory authorities and testing stations to coordinate inspections, sampling, certification, and required regulatory documentation.
• Monitor production performance, identify potential supply shortages or surpluses, and provide management with regular updates on production risks and business impact.
• Ensure compliance with applicable statutory requirements, company policies, and safety, health, and environmental standards across production and operational activities.
• Maintain strong relationships with growers and stakeholders by addressing disputes and operational issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure the security and traceability of germplasm, seed stock, production materials, and finished products through appropriate control and monitoring processes.

Key Skills

• Strong production and operations management skills with the ability to manage activities from field production through to processing and final distribution.
• Advanced understanding of seed production, agricultural practices, crop monitoring, seed quality, and field inspection processes.
• Strong inventory management and supply chain coordination skills, with the ability to maintain accurate stock records and reconciliations.
• Hands-on SAP or supply chain management software experience, with the ability to use systems effectively for planning, inventory, and operational management.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage production schedules, resources, budgets, and operational deadlines.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to manage, guide, coach, and motivate employees and growers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly when managing production challenges, supply issues, quality concerns, and operational risks.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with growers, regulators, suppliers, and internal departments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to provide clear operational updates and coordinate effectively across different functions.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, compliance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• SCCI Licensed Inspector qualification.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in plant, production, inventory, or operations management.
• Proven experience within the seed industry, with practical knowledge of seed production and processing.
• Hands-on experience with SAP or another relevant supply chain management system.
• Experience in agricultural production, supply chain, logistics, and inventory management would be highly relevant to the role.

How to Apply

Apply using the following link: https://www.recruitmentmattersafrica.com/careers/?job_id=z5G7h3l6a1kMvyS65NP3cx4VfWjoqflu878xkLvRcro=