Horticulture Section Manager

Location: Sommerville, VIC, 3912 Full-Time: Immediate start Job Title: Horticulture Section Manager Salary range: $76,600 - $80,000 Job Closure date: 30 days About our Client Our client is a prominent leader in the FMCG and horticultural sector, operating sophisticated agricultural production facilities on the Mornington Peninsula. Specializing in high-value crop production, they implement advanced growing technologies and precision agriculture practices across their diverse horticultural operations. Their integrated approach combines expert crop management with sustainable farming methods, ensuring consistent quality and yield from propagation through to harvest. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, they maintain state-of-the-art facilities that set industry standards for commercial horticultural production. About the Role On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated Horticulture Section Manager to lead their crop production operations. This pivotal role requires a skilled horticultural professional with comprehensive knowledge of crop establishment, quality management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in precision seeding operations, crop management, and process optimization, ensuring the highest standards of production efficiency and crop quality across our client's sophisticated horticultural enterprises. Key Duties & Responsibilities Crop Establishment & Quality Management • Implement and oversee precision seeding and planting operations, ensuring all specifications for depth, spacing, and timing are strictly adhered to for optimal crop establishment • Conduct comprehensive quality assessments of all planting operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions to maintain exceptional standards • Monitor and evaluate seed germination rates and early crop development, identifying any quality issues and coordinating with suppliers to maintain premium planting material standards • Develop and maintain detailed crop labelling systems across all production areas, ensuring accurate variety identification, planting dates, and batch tracking throughout the growth cycle Resource Management & Operational Coordination • Manage seed stock inventory with precision, maintaining optimal levels, monitoring usage patterns, and ensuring strict adherence to company procurement and storage procedures • Coordinate closely with the Farm Operations Manager and Agronomist to align planting schedules with overall production plans, market demands, and seasonal considerations • Implement and maintain comprehensive record-keeping systems for all seeding activities, germination results, and crop performance data to support continuous improvement initiatives • Oversee the calibration and maintenance of specialized seeding equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime during critical planting windows Team Leadership & Process Improvement • Lead and mentor planting crews and section staff, providing clear direction, training, and performance feedback to maintain high productivity and quality standards • Develop and implement standardized operating procedures for all seeding and planting activities, ensuring consistency and efficiency across multiple production cycles • Analyse production data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for process optimization, yield improvement, and resource efficiency • Foster a culture of safety and quality consciousness among team members, ensuring compliance with all workplace health and safety regulations Strategic Planning & Compliance • Contribute to the development of seasonal planting plans and production schedules, providing expert input on variety selection, timing, and resource requirements • Ensure all horticultural operations comply with industry certification requirements, quality standards, and environmental management protocols • Coordinate with maintenance teams to establish preventive maintenance schedules for planting equipment, minimizing breakdowns during critical operational periods • Implement and monitor crop traceability systems, ensuring complete documentation from seed source through to harvest for quality assurance and compliance purposes Essential Qualifications & Experience • AQF Certificate IV in Horticulture, Agriculture, or equivalent qualification combined with minimum 1 year full-time experience in a supervisory horticultural role • Demonstrated experience in commercial crop production with specific expertise in seeding operations, crop establishment, and quality management • Proven track record in managing horticultural teams and implementing standardized operating procedures in a production environment Essential Skills & Attributes • Exceptional attention to detail with strong analytical skills for quality assessment and process improvement • Excellent leadership capabilities with ability to motivate teams and drive performance in a dynamic production environment • Proven ability to work autonomously while effectively collaborating with management and cross-functional teams • Strong organizational skills with capability to manage multiple priorities and meet production deadlines • Practical, hands-on approach with commitment to achieving production targets and quality standards • Excellent communication skills with ability to liaise effectively with team members, management, and technical specialists • Adaptability to changing seasonal demands and ability to implement contingency plans when required To Apply If you are an experienced horticultural professional ready to take on a section management role within a leading FMCG business, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through the application portal. Please note: We are managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed by our team before being presented to the client.