The successful incumbent will be responsible for conducting horticultural research to optimize the productivity and quality of avocado trees and fruit. The incumbent should conduct field and post-harvest trials, plan, develop and manage large scale operational research orchards, as well as capture, maintain and analyze research data. The incumbent requires the ability to work independently and to manage his/her own research budget. The incumbent must have good communication skills and be able to transfer research outcome’s to practical implementation. The incumbent must be willing to travel both locally and internationally.

The successful incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of the Plant Pathology research programme, which includes undertaking individual research at world specialist level, with the aim of maximising profits for Westfalia Fruit (Pty) Ltd. The incumbent requires the ability to foresee and identify problems, anticipate and evaluate possible solutions to new and existing problems, by combining and applying knowledge, information and consulting expertise from a variety of sources to effectively arrive at appropriate solutions. Tree and fruit health, and long-term sustainability are important to us. The incumbent will be required to have the ability to manage subordinate research staff as well as the WTS Pathology research budget. It is necessary that the incumbent have good communication skills and be able to communicate with clients and researchers at all levels on an international scale.

Are you a hard-working leader with a passion for agriculture, plant propagation and business management? Are you a dynamic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and experience in nursery management? Do you have what it takes to exceed customer expectations, while driving a sustainable business and returning maximum profits for the company? If so, then you may be Westfalia Fruit Estates’ next Nurseries Operations Manager!

Reporting to the General Manager of Westfalia Fruit Estates (WFE), the incumbent will be responsible for managing the WFE avocado nurseries in a sustainable manner that exceeds customer expectations and delivers maximum returns for the company. The incumbent must drive a process of continuous improvement, lead the nursery team in a process of successfully adopting superior propagation techniques, and establish a supply of quality plant material that will meet the demanding requirements of an ever-expanding operation.