Business Unit Manager (Farm Manager) - Horticulture

About the role

Harvest Road Horticulture, based at Brickhouse Station near Carnarvon, Western Australia, is looking for a Business Unit Manager (Farm Manager) to lead its large-scale irrigated horticulture operation. You will report to senior management and oversee staff, contractors, crop operations, irrigation, compliance and farm development. The role covers sweet potatoes, mangoes and other horticultural crops.

Key responsibilities

• Manage daily farm operations across sweet potatoes, mangoes and other crops
• Lead, supervise and develop staff, leading hands, farm hands and contractors
• Plan and deliver crop production programs, from planting through to harvest and post-harvest
• Manage irrigation systems, including drip and pivot irrigation, scheduling, monitoring and maintenance
• Oversee tractors, spray rigs, planting and harvesting equipment and general farm machinery
• Work with agronomists and consultants to improve soil health, crop health, yield and quality
• Prepare annual operational plans, budgets and seasonal work programs
• Maintain accurate farm, chemical, irrigation, labour, production and compliance records
• Ensure safe work practices and compliance with WHS, environmental, Freshcare and HARPS requirements
• Contribute to farm development such as expanded crop production, better irrigation use and packing shed capability

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in horticulture, vegetable production, sweet potatoes, mangoes, irrigated cropping or intensive crop production
• Strong understanding of commercial farm operations, seasonal planning, crop timing, labour planning and harvest execution
• Ability to lead permanent staff, seasonal workers and contractors in a practical farm environment
• Current driver's licence
• Hands-on, reliable, accountable and commercially sensible approach

Required skills

• Irrigation systems, ideally drip and centre pivot
• Tractors, implements, spray equipment and harvesting equipment
• Chemical application, weed and pest management and safe spray practices
• Record keeping and compliance awareness (WHS, Freshcare, HARPS)
• Communication with people from different backgrounds, including where English is not their first language

The position is full-time and permanent, paid $120,000 to $150,000 per year plus superannuation, house, vehicle and phone. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; applications are made through the recruiting agency.