CITRUS OPERATIONS MANAGER
2026-07-03 - 2026-10-31
Permanent
FM002594
Agriculture & Agribusiness
BOTSWANA, Selebi Phikwe, Central District
Selebi-Phikwe area, Cenral District – Botswana: Reporting into executive leadership, the Operational Manager – Production will hold full strategic and operational accountability for all citrus production across the enterprise. This is a hands-on senior leadership role for a seasoned citrus professional who combines strong field presence with sharp commercial judgement, and who can unite people, systems, planning, and execution into a single, high-performing production operation.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
 
  • A degree or diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Citrus Production, Agricultural Management, or a related discipline
  • Additional qualifications in citrus production, irrigation, food safety, or management are advantageous
  • 10–15 years in commercial citrus production, including 5–8 years in a senior production or operational leadership role
  • A proven track record managing large-scale citrus operations(500ha+) and leading multiple Production Managers
  • Deep expertise in irrigation, fertigation, crop forecasting, harvesting programmes, and export production systems
  • Experience within Southern Africa farming environments is advantageous
  • A confident, credible leader who develops high-performing teams
  • Strategic and operational in equal measure, with strong planning and organisational discipline
  • Calm, decisive, and accountable under the pressures of peak season
  • A clear communicator and reporter with a data-led, improvement-focused mindset
 
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
 
  • Develop and execute the long-term citrus production strategy.
  • Lead varietal, rootstock, orchard replacement, and expansion planning.
  • Align production plans with the company's growth and commercial objectives.
  • Direct orchard production and overall yield performance across the estate
  • Oversee irrigation and fertigation strategy, scheduling, and efficiency
  • Lead crop protection and integrated pest management programmes
  • Manage labour, resources, and operational infrastructure
  • Ensure compliance with food-safety standards and full export readiness
  • Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of Production Managers
  • Embed data-driven decision-making and a culture of continuous improvement
  • Propose and manage capex projects to elevate ROI
  • Prepare and manage production budgets.
  • Drive monthly crop forecasting, harvest planning, and seasonal production execution
  • Control operational costs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
 
 
ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted
For more information please contact:
Farm Manager