Horticulture Farm Manager – Avocados NSW
Costa Group is Australia's leading grower, packer and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. We nurture our people, cultivate our growing sites and invest in ongoing research and development. All of the products we grow and sell are fresh, nutritious, unprocessed and grown on our very own farms or those of our partner growers.
We are currently seeking a Horticulture Farm Manager to join our Costa Avocado Team, based in Fisherman's Reach, NSW. This role reports directly to the Regional Operations Manager.
About the Role:
The purpose of the Farm Manager role is to plan, establish, and manage growing operations on-site to ensure the highest possible yield and quality. The role is also responsible for managing the farm within budget parameters and achieving operational targets.
This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations. You will oversee and coordinate farming operations in alignment with safety, quality, and productivity standards.
Key Responsibilities:
* Proactively manage farm safety by identifying hazards, addressing unsafe work practices, and providing solutions. Collaborate with WHS and QA staff to ensure incidents and hazards are properly recorded and resolved.
* Oversee daily farming activities, including (but not limited to) fertigation, irrigation, fruit harvesting, tree pruning, pest and disease control, and herbicide spraying programs.
* Assist in preparing budgets for all farming activities, including planning for capital expenditure.
* Actively manage labour resources and monitor operational costs against the budget.
* Ensure staff are trained and aware of their safety responsibilities, including Safe Work Procedures (SWPs), PPE requirements, and internal safety policies.
* Develop and implement succession planning to foster talent and build team capability across the business.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
About you:
* A tertiary qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field is highly regarded.
* At least 5 years of experience in agricultural or horticultural farm management.
* Demonstrated experience in people leadership and workforce planning within a horticultural environment.
* Strong understanding of key business drivers and cost management.
* Excellent skills in planning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
* A results-driven mindset with a strong focus on operational excellence.
* Well-developed negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage both internal and external stakeholders.
* Proficient in the use of business software and systems, with strong time management and organizational skills.
What We Offer:
* Full Time employment. Salary range : ($100K - $115K)
* A role working within a collaborative environment with a team that has a high-performance mindset.
* Significant scope for growth and professional development within Costa.