FLEET & CITRUS PRODUCTION MANAGER at Mabunda Citrus · Letsitele

THE ROLE

Mabunda Citrus is seeking an experienced Fleet & Citrus Production Manager to oversee the production and operational activities of approximately 150 hectares of commercial citrus, comprising Lemons, Grapefruit and Oranges.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient citrus production, effective fleet and machinery management, and the supervision of the workshop and workshop personnel. This is a hands-on management position focused on achieving production targets, maintaining equipment availability, controlling costs and ensuring that teams operate safely and efficiently.

The role combines citrus production, people management, fleet management and workshop oversight. The existing job description emphasises production at the lowest practical cost, planned maintenance, minimising equipment downtime and maintaining accurate records.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Citrus Production – 150 ha

• Manage daily production activities across 150 ha of Lemons, Grapefruit and Oranges.
• Develop and monitor daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal production plans.
• Monitor orchard performance, yields, fruit quality and production costs.
• Oversee irrigation, fertilisation, pruning, weed control, sanitation, pest and disease management.
• Ensure production programmes and SOPs are followed.
• Coordinate harvesting and monitor progress against production targets.
• Monitor yield per hectare and per orchard/block and implement corrective action where required.
• Maintain accurate production and traceability records.

Fleet, Machinery & Workshop

• Manage the company's fleet, tractors, implements, machinery, tools and equipment.
• Ensure equipment is serviced and maintained according to planned maintenance schedules.
• Minimise breakdowns and production downtime.
• Oversee the workshop and workshop personnel, including allocation of work, productivity, discipline and performance.
• Ensure job cards, maintenance records and equipment histories are accurately maintained.
• Manage the procurement and availability of spare parts, fuel, oils and other workshop requirements.
• Liaise with the Mechanics and production teams to ensure equipment is available when required.

People & Team Management

• Lead and supervise production teams, supervisors and workshop personnel.
• Allocate labour and resources according to operational requirements.
• Monitor productivity, work quality and performance.
• Ensure employees are properly trained and follow company procedures.
• Manage discipline, performance and workplace standards within the department.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety requirements and correct use of PPE.

Cost & Resource Management

• Manage production, fleet and workshop activities within approved budgets.
• Monitor fuel, fertiliser, chemicals, spare parts and other operational inputs.
• Identify opportunities to reduce wastage, downtime and unnecessary expenditure.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently to maximise production and profitability.

Reporting & Performance

• Report regularly on production, fleet and workshop performance.
• Monitor key indicators including yields, labour productivity, production costs, equipment availability, fuel usage and maintenance costs.
• Report operational challenges and corrective actions to the General Manager.
• Drive continuous improvement in production efficiency, equipment reliability and team performance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Agriculture, Horticulture, Crop Production, Agricultural Management or related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in commercial citrus production, preferably in a management/supervisory position.
• Proven experience managing agricultural teams.
• Strong citrus production and orchard management knowledge.
• Experience with fleet, agricultural machinery and workshop operations. (Advantageous)
• Knowledge of irrigation, fertilisation, pest and disease management.
• Experience with production planning, yield monitoring and cost control.
• Good computer literacy and reporting skills.
• Valid driver's licence.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS:

Hands-on | Practical | Organised | Accountable | Results-driven | Strong Leader | Problem Solver

The ideal candidate must be comfortable working both in the orchards and with the workshop/fleet team, managing people and resources while ensuring that production and equipment requirements are met.

Pay: R35 000,00 - R50 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person