ABOUT VCM

Verdant Citrus Massingir (VCM) is a large-scale commercial citrus operation in Gaza Province, Mozambique. VCM is part of the Verdant Orchards Group with orchard operations in Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa. VCM has 440Ha of citrus ranging from 1-5 years old, with a new packhouse recently installed

ROLE PURPOSE We are looking for a citrus Production Manager to take full ownership of this 440Ha operation in Mozambique and drive production performance as we build scale. Reporting to the VCM General Manager, the Production Manager will lead and optimize all citrus production activities from year 0 establishment, orchard maintenance through to harvesting. The successful candidate will be a proven citrus professional with strong leadership skills, extensive field experience, and the ability to balance operational excellence with commercial objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production & Farm Management

  • Lead citrus production strategy, orchard renewal, and expansion planning.
  • Oversee planting, irrigation, nutrition, pruning, crop protection and maintenance through to harvesting.
  • Manage crop forecasting, harvest planning, and continuous improvement.

People & Resource Management

  • Lead section managers and farm teams, including seasonal labour planning.
  • Ensure compliance with labour laws, company policies, and HR standards.
  • Manage contractor, supplier, and service provider relationships.

Financial Management

  • Prepare and manage operational, labour, and input budgets.
  • Oversee procurement of farm inputs, equipment, and crop protection products.
  • Manage capital projects and maintain accurate production and cost records.

Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with GlobalG.A.P., SIZA, Mozambican regulations, and export standards.
  • Maintain phytosanitary compliance for key export markets.
  • Promote sustainable farming and environmental best practices.

Operational Coordination

  • Work closely with agronomy, packhouse, sales and logistics, and maintenance teams.
  • Monitor market and regulatory developments and adapt plans accordingly.

Technology & Improvement

  • Drive the use of precision agriculture and farm management systems.
  • Share best practices across VCM, VCL (Limpopo), and VOM (Munyati).

Health, Safety & Environment

  • Ensure compliance with HSE policies and environmental regulations.
  • Promote responsible water use, waste management, and resource conservation.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

  • Actual and future production, yield, and packout performance per tree age
  • Budget management and cost control.
  • HSE, quality, and export compliance.
  • Team performance and retention.
  • Accurate and timely reporting.
  • Successful delivery of capex and expansion projects.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • Proven experience in large-scale citrus or subtropical fruit operations.
  • Resilient and adaptable in remote African farming environments.
  • Proficient in agritech and precision agriculture systems.
  • Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
  • Commercially astute with excellent decision-making skills.
  • Ability to work with the senior management team

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

 Qualifications

  • Degree or diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
  • A.P., SIZA, or PCO accreditation advantageous.
  • Postgraduate qualification in farm or business management advantageous.

Experience

  • 5–8+ years in farm management or senior production roles, preferably in citrus.
  • Experience managing the full production cycle, from orchard establishment to packhouse delivery.
  • Proven experience in labour management, budgeting, and operational reporting.
  • Experience operating in sub-Saharan Africa, preferably Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or South Africa.
  • Knowledge of irrigation and fertigation systems (drip and micro-jet).
  • Export market and phytosanitary compliance experience advantageous

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Sound financial, planning, and cost-control capabilities.
  • Knowledge of HSE and compliance requirements.
  • Proficient in farm management systems and data analysis and reporting.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Working proficiency in Portuguese strongly preferred.

 WHAT WE OFFER

Remuneration & Benefits

  • Competitive salary package depending on experience.
  • Includes on-site accommodation, company vehicle for work use, and medical aid.

 The Opportunity

  • Key leadership role within a growing commercial citrus operation.
  • Opportunity to contribute to expansion and development projects.
  • Exposure to operations across the Verdant Orchards Group.
  • Strong potential for career growth within an international agribusiness platform.

OPERATING CONTEXT – MOZAMBIQUE

  • Residential position based in Massingir, Mozambique.
  • Portuguese or capacity to pick up a new language.
  • Export and phytosanitary compliance experience advantageous.
  • Collaboration across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia operations.
  • Valid Mozambican work permit required or obtainable.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send your CV and cover letter to justyna@verdant-orchards.com
Subject: Production Manager – VCM – [Your Name]