Agronomist, Operations Manager

# Job Description: Agronomist / Operations Manager **Company:** The Good Fruit Pte. Ltd. **Location:** Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa **Reporting To:** Chief Operating Officer (COO) **Preferred Age:** 35–45 years **Qualification:** Graduate in Agriculture **Experience:** 10–15 years of experience working with growers, preferably in citrus fruit sourcing, farm operations, and export supply chains. **Salary:** Up to 20% hike on current CTC; higher compensation may be considered for exceptional candidates. ## Role Overview We are looking for an experienced Agronomist Operations Manager to manage grower relationships, source high-quality Valencia oranges, coordinate packhouse operations, and oversee export logistics. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in agricultural sourcing, grower management, fruit quality control, and international export operations. ## Key Responsibilities **1. Grower Management & Fruit Sourcing** - Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with local farmers and citrus growers. - Negotiate sourcing terms and contract with growers for Valencia oranges. - Supervise grower operations to ensure consistent supply and quality. - Monitor fruit quality and ensure compliance with company standards. **2. Packhouse Coordination & Quality Control** - Identify and coordinate with suitable packhouses for fruit packing, grading, and storage. - Work closely with packhouse management to ensure quality standards and packing schedules are met. - Monitor packing operations to ensure efficient handling and minimal wastage. - Ensure compliance with applicable fruit quality, food safety, and export requirements. **3. Export Operations & Logistics** - Coordinate the shipment of packed fruits to India and other international markets. - Work with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and logistics partners to ensure timely and cost-effective transportation. - Oversee export documentation and ensure compliance with applicable international shipping and export regulations. - Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to resolve shipment and supply-chain issues. **4. Operational Planning & Coordination** - Coordinate growers, packhouses, quality teams, and logistics partners to ensure a smooth supply chain. - Monitor sourcing volumes, quality, packing schedules, and shipment timelines. - Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and control costs. - Provide regular operational updates and reports to the COO. ## Required Skills & Competencies - Strong experience in citrus farming, particularly Valencia oranges, and grower management. - Expertise in agricultural sourcing, contract farming, and supplier relationship management. - Knowledge of packhouse operations, fruit grading, packing, and quality control. - Understanding of fresh-fruit exports, international logistics, and export documentation. - Strong negotiation, coordination, and problem-solving skills. - Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and travel as required. ## Preferred Candidate Profile - Agriculture graduate with 10–15 years of relevant industry experience. - Candidates with established relationships with citrus growers and packhouses in South Africa will be preferred. - Experience in fresh-fruit exports to India or other international markets will be an advantage. - Willingness to travel as required by business needs.