Deputy Farm Manager – Horticulture

About the role

The Deputy Farm Manager will support the Farm Manager in overseeing all production activities on a flower farm, ensuring standards are met and targets achieved. This senior position requires strong leadership and technical expertise in horticulture.

Key responsibilities

• Deputize the Farm Manager across all operations, ensuring seamless continuity of leadership.
• Coordinate crop husbandry, irrigation, crop protection and IPM to meet daily, weekly, monthly and annual objectives.
• Align production with marketing activities, engage customers on‑site, and provide accurate production projections.
• Develop cost‑effective spray and irrigation programmes, maintain pest levels below economic thresholds, and ensure compliance with MPS, Fair‑trade and other standards.
• Lead and train supervisors and staff, participate in internal audits, and present updates at management and board meetings.

Required profile

• Degree in Horticulture or related field (higher qualifications desirable).
• Minimum five years’ experience as manager or deputy manager on a MPS and Fair‑trade certified rose farm.
• Experience in packhouse management, marketing activities and technical IPM training (Level 2).
• Proven ability to lead teams, make day‑to‑day decisions on flower production and pack‑house operations.

Required skills

• Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Experience with ERP systems used in flower farms.
• Critical thinking and strong organizational abilities.