Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position
Job Description
Location: Somerville, VIC, 3912; Full-Time: Immediate start; Job Title: Horticulture Farm Manager; Salary range: $85,000 - $93,000; Job Closure date: 30 days.
About our Client: Our client is a prominent leader in the FMCG and agribusiness sector, renowned for their innovative approach to large-scale horticultural production on the Mornington Peninsula. With a focus on sustainable practices and cutting‑edge agricultural technology, they manage sophisticated farming operations that deliver premium produce to market.
Their integrated "whole of system" approach ensures optimal land use, water management, and production efficiency across diverse cropping enterprises. They are seeking an experienced farm manager to lead their horticultural operations to new heights of productivity and excellence.
About the Role: On behalf of our client, we are seeking an energetic, passionate, and highly experienced Horticulture Farm Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational management across their diverse farming enterprises.
This is a senior role where you will be responsible for driving production efficiency, implementing innovative farming practices, and leading a dedicated team to achieve exceptional results. The ideal candidate will combine strong agricultural knowledge with business acumen and leadership capabilities to optimize farm performance while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive production strategies, policies, and plans that align with business objectives, market demands, and seasonal considerations.
* Plan and coordinate all production activities with precision, ensuring optimal output quality and quantity while effectively managing costs, timelines, and labour requirements.
* Direct research into innovative production methods and technologies, recommending and implementing initiatives that enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
* Monitor production outputs, costs, and key performance indicators, analysing data to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost optimization.
Operational Excellence & Resource Management
* Oversee the strategic acquisition, installation, and maintenance of farming plant, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure operational reliability and efficiency.
* Control and optimize the operation of all production systems and quality procedures through effective maintenance planning, resource allocation, and supply chain management.
* Implement and monitor sophisticated farming systems including irrigation scheduling, nutrient management, and crop protection programs to maximize yield and quality.
* Coordinate the implementation and ongoing compliance with all occupational health and safety requirements, fostering a culture of safety awareness and best practice.
Leadership, Reporting & Business Integration
* Lead, direct, and mentor farm staff, monitoring performance, providing regular feedback, and identifying training needs to build capability and engagement.
* Control the preparation and distribution of comprehensive production records, reports, and documentation to inform strategic decision‑making and meet compliance requirements.
* Collaborate effectively with other managers and departments, communicating production matters, challenges, and opportunities to ensure alignment across the organization.
* Manage the integration of new technologies and farming practices, driving continuous improvement and innovation across all aspects of the farming operation.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* A degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field is essential.
* Proven post‑qualification experience in a farm management or senior production role within a commercial horticultural enterprise.
* Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing production strategies, managing budgets, and leading farming teams to achieve production targets.
Essential Skills & Attributes
* Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to make sound, evidence‑based decisions in a dynamic production environment.
* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with team members, senior management, and external stakeholders.
* A hands‑on leadership approach with demonstrated commitment to leading by example and driving operational excellence alongside your team.
* Proven ability to work autonomously, showing initiative and resilience while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced agricultural setting.
* Strong business acumen with the capacity to balance production goals with financial outcomes and strategic objectives.
To Apply
If you are an experienced horticulture professional ready to take on a key leadership role within a leading agribusiness, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through the application portal. Please note: We are managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed by our team before being presented to the client.
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