Technical Manager

Role & responsibilities

Field Operations & Field Management

• Lead field work: Actively participate in planting, harvesting, irrigation, fertilization, phytosanitary measures, and weed control.
• Field planning & execution: Organize daily work plans for all plots in collaboration with Technical Field Manager, adjust schedules to respond to weather, pest pressures, and crop stage.
• Health & technical monitoring: Conduct daily monitoring of crop health, disease signs in orchards, and overall phytosanitary status, implement preventative and corrective actions.
• Adaptability & problem solving: Develop practical solutions using local materials to increase productivity, escalate issues requiring temporary help or specialist input.
• Punctuality & deadlines: Ensure instructions and nursery deadlines are met; maintain discipline and timely execution.
• Leadership presence: Be visible to workers before, during, and after arrivals; foster a constructive, respectful work environment and strong team morale.

People & Team Leadership

• Team leadership: Lead workers with a focus on engagement, fairness, and long-term alignment with Filaval values.
• Training & onboarding: Identify, recruit, and onboard suitable field workers in collaboration with Technical Field Manager, ensure training on protocols and safety.
• Collaboration & communication: Maintain open channels with workers, addressing concerns and providing guidance to improve performance.
• Work culture: Promote a good team spirit, integrity, and reliable work ethic, discourage procrastination and delays.

Administrative & Inventory Management

• Timekeeping: Record hours by activity in an organized Excel workbook; ensure accuracy and transparency.
• Inventory control: Monitor stock levels, anticipate shortages, and manage inventory of tools, materials, and supplies.
• Supplier relations: Manage relationships with providers, and coordinate deliveries as needed.
• Procurement & stock management: Replenish materials timely to prevent downtime; optimize usage to reduce waste.
• Reporting: Prepare regular status updates on field activities, health monitoring outcomes, and inventory levels for Technical Field Manager and Filaval leadership.

Compliance, Safety & Standards

• Standards adherence: Enforce safety procedures, environmental guidelines, and quality standards in all nursery and field operations.
• Documentation: Maintain thorough records of activities, health observations, and interventions.
• Ethical conduct: Demonstrate fair play, honesty, and accountability in all dealings with workers and partners.

Preferred candidate profile

• Minimum 10 years of work experience in managing independently a farm related enterprise; preferably in Hi tech Plant Nursery, Orchard management etc.
• Adaptable to Multi Cultural Environment; preferably experience in Multi -National Corporations
• Relevant experience in nursery/field management or agricultural operations is desirable
• Experience or knowledge in orchard crop health monitoring and disease management
• Understanding of phytosanitary practices, weed control, irrigation, and fertilization planning
• M.Sc (Master of Science) in Agriculture preferably with Plant Pathology, Genetics, Fruit Sciences, Orchard management & Agricultural Technology.
• Preferably with Business management qualifications