Introduction The Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all delegated production-related activities to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective farm(tree nuts or fruit) operations. The role focuses on workforce management, production execution, asset care, data integrity, continuous improvement, and adherence to company standards, policies, and values. Duties & Responsibilities 1. People Management and Leadership Supervise, motivate, and manage direct reports and the broader labour force to achieve operational objectives. Promote and embody the company's vision, mission, values, and desired culture. Foster a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and pride amongst team members. Ensure employees accurately clock in and out and select the correct task categories. Monitor workforce productivity, ensuring labour is effectively utilised and production targets are achieved. Identify performance issues and implement corrective actions where necessary. Manage disciplinary processes in accordance with company policies. Immediately escalated serious misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, theft, or other high-risk incidents. Facilitate ongoing training, coaching, and development of employees. Encourage a precision farming mindset, ensuring every tree receives the required care to maximise orchard health, productivity, and quality. 2. Production Planning and Execution Execute production programmes and operational instructions relating to fertilisation, chemical applications, irrigation, harvesting, and other farming activities. Monitor work quality and compliance with operational standards. Proactively identify opportunities for improvement and recommend alternative methods, technologies, or processes. Ensure production activities are completed according to schedule and within budget. 3. Asset, Equipment and Diesel Management Conduct and record daily diesel dip readings. Monitor diesel consumption and investigate variances. Ensure all equipment, machinery, and vehicles are maintained according to preventative maintenance schedules. Conduct routine tractor and equipment inspections using approved checklists. Ensure machinery, vehicles, tools, and equipment are kept clean, safe, and in good working condition. Report breakdowns promptly and coordinate repairs to minimise operational downtime. 4. Cost Control and Financial Responsibility Operate with a strong cost-conscious mindset and consider financial implications and return on investment (ROI) when making operational decisions. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditure. Ensure optimal utilisation of labour, machinery, fuel, chemicals, fertilisers, and other resources. 5. Stock, Tools and Store Management Maintain accurate stock records and conduct regular stocktakes. Implement and enforce best-practice stock control procedures. Maintain up-to-date tool inventories and tool issue/return systems. Monitor stock levels and ensure timely replenishment where required. Verify and reconcile stock usage against production activities. 6. Security and Risk Management Maintain a high level of security awareness across all operations. Ensure gates, sheds, storage facilities, fuel depots, and other critical assets remain secure. Verify that alarm systems, CCTV systems, and security infrastructure are operational and regularly tested. Ensure perimeter fencing is maintained and remains functional. Identify, assess, and actively manage operational and security risks. Report and address potential risks before they become incidents. 7. Farm Data and Analytics Ensure accurate and timely data capture across all production activities. Maintain high levels of data integrity to support informed decision-making. Train employees on the effective use of farm management systems, devices, and technology. Utilise data and analytics to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement. Promote a culture of measurement, accountability, and data-driven management. 8. Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance Maintain a safe working environment for all employees and visitors. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and company regulations. Conduct regular safety inspections and address hazards promptly. Promote safe work practices and ensure appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions where required. 9. Water and Irrigation Management Monitor soil moisture and irrigation performance using probes and other available technologies. Conduct field assessments using ground augers and other monitoring tools. Ensure irrigation systems operate efficiently and effectively. Coordinate and verify flushing of irrigation lines and water filtration systems. Report irrigation faults and assist in implementing corrective actions. 10. Crop Monitoring and Scouting Conduct routine crop scouting activities, including knockdown counts, 10x10 inspections, and 1x10 assessments. Monitor pest, disease, and crop health conditions through visual inspections. Record observations accurately and report concerns promptly. Support integrated pest management and crop protection programmes. 11. Procurement and Inventory Control Assist with procurement planning and stock forecasting. Ensure unused materials and stock are returned and accurately recorded. Verify receipt, storage, usage, and reconciliation of production inputs. 12. Harvest and Post-Harvest Operations Harvest Management Monitor harvest progress against production schedules. Ensure harvesting activities are completed efficiently, safely, and on time. Track and report harvest performance metrics. De-Husking Operations Manage labour productivity and cost performance of de-husking teams. Monitor and control de-husking costs on a Rand-per-kilogram basis. Measure, record, and analyse waste levels. Implement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste. 13. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Maintain professional, respectful, and effective communication with employees, management, suppliers, contractors, and external stakeholders. Provide accurate and timely operational feedback and reporting. Promote a culture of teamwork, integrity, accountability, and mutual respect throughout the organisation. Key Performance Areas (KPAs) Labour productivity and efficiency Production target achievement Cost control and resource utilisation Equipment uptime and maintenance compliance Data accuracy and reporting quality Health and safety compliance Security and risk management Irrigation and water-use efficiency Crop health and scouting effectiveness Harvest and de-husking performance Team development and employee engagement Desired Experience & Qualification Qualifications in Agriculture advantageous 3+ years' experience in tree nuts and fruit Comfortable with technology #J-18808-Ljbffr
Production Supervisor - Mpumalanga
PROBE IMT
mpumalanga, mpumalanga
Published 2 days ago
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