Senior Horticultural Supervisor – Kibwezi

About the role

A well-established plantation with operations in Kenya and Tanzania is recruiting a Senior Horticultural Supervisor in Kibwezi, Kenya, through Summit Recruitment & Search. The role covers planning, coordinating and supervising field operations for hybrid and open-pollinated production of baby corn, seed maize and cucurbit crops such as watermelon, squash, pepper and tomato, ensuring high-quality seed production in line with company standards and certification guidelines.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and implement seasonal production programs, coordinate land selection, field layout and crop scheduling, and ensure timely sowing, transplanting, pollination, harvesting and post-harvest operations.
• Oversee hybrid seed activities including detasseling (seed maize), emasculation and hand pollination (cucurbits).
• Monitor crop growth, inspect for off-types, diseases and pests, and maintain proper male-to-female ratios and pollination efficiency.
• Ensure seed quality parameters (genetic purity, germination, moisture and physical purity) are met and keep accurate field and production records.
• Supervise and train farm workers, giving technical guidance on crop management and hybrid seed production.
• Manage harvesting, drying, shelling/extraction, cleaning, grading, packing, storage and inventory of seeds.
• Ensure adherence to company SOPs and seed certification standards, and keep documentation for audits and traceability.
• Prepare daily, weekly and seasonal production reports.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Seed Technology or Horticulture.
• 5-8+ years of experience in hybrid seed production, preferably in cucurbits and seed maize.
• Experience managing large-scale field operations.
• Valid driving licence with a motorbike endorsement and proficiency in riding.

Required skills

• Pest and disease management in corn and cucurbit crops.
• Hybridization techniques and seed certification standards.