Job Description

Technical Manager Fruit Supply - StellenboschFull job descriptionPurpose of the roleBerryWorld SA (BWSA) seeks a Technical Manager to drive blueberry fruit supply planning and fruit security (technical support) in South Africa, working within a team of technical advisors. This will include activities such as: Manage and coordinate the efforts of technical advisors in specified regions, to effectively manage grower technical queries and secure the crop supply.Pre-harvest visits to provide technical (agronomic and harvest) support to growers, generate estimates, and update estimates for supply planning in Zimbabwe and South Africa (Western Cape, Highveld and Lowveld areas).Advise growers/ marketing in conjunction with the post-harvest team on the impact of climatic/ practices on fruit supply and quality.Identify regional agronomic issues and improvement opportunities - propose these opportunities for commercial or academic research.Act at the link between BWSA and the primary variety company in terms of plant census & new plating updates.In collaboration with the variety development team, facilitate training of the BWSA Fruit Supply team and BWSA growers on new variety agronomics.Prepare post-season review reports identifying improvement areas and to lead post-season review sessions with growers.Grower relationship management.Manage technical advisors, by driving a consistent leadership experience and human resource development.Drive the Fruit Supply Technical information and systems strategy.Submit, track, and report on personal and team operational budgets. Formal qualification BSc Masters (Desirable)BSc Horticulture/Agronomy/Viticulture/Soil Science Job-related experience Technical agronomic advisor to growers (any export crop): 5-10 yearsTeam management: 2-5 yearsProject management: 2-5 yearsMapping and implementing systems and processes: 2-5 years Job-related knowledge Drivers of value in agricultureExport fruit qualityExport fruit crop industryStrong Agronomic and Horticultural background Job-related skills Drivers licenseComputer literacy (MS Excel, Word & PowerPoint)Critical thinking skills?Management skillsCreating strategies/ goals for teams considering company objectivesMapping and implementing processes Competencies IntegrityCreativityLogical and analyticalInterpersonal skillsResiliencePlanning and organisingQuality orientationEnergy and drive

JustTheJob