Overview
Horticultural Development Manager Jobs in Tzaneen at Westfalia Fruit
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.
With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading avocado experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
The Westfalia I-Team (WiT), situated in Tzaneen has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced: Horticultural Development Manager
Requirements
Purpose of the role:
To manage and align Westfalia’s intellectual property (IP) and horticultural development services by supporting both internal and external stakeholders. The role encompasses legal and commercial responsibilities related to IP, strategic support to the Operations Manager, and ensuring effective IP protection, commercialization, and royalty management. The incumbent also provides technical horticultural support to global licensees and contributes to financial oversight within the Westfalia i-Team department.
Key Responsibilities:
IP Management & Legal Coordination
Draft, finalize, and maintain legal documents related to IP.
Ensure contracts comply with SA and international plant protection laws.
Manage IP database and communication with partners.
Commercialization of IP
Identify opportunities for and manage commercialization of Westfalia’s IP.
Provide technical support to growers and research partners.
Negotiate licensing agreements and contracts.
Horticultural Support
Manage a nursery for international trial trees.
Coordinate cross-border plant movement and provide technical assistance.
Support national and international licensees in IP development.
Financial Administration & Budgeting
Monitor and reconcile royalty income and expenses.
Manage own budget with a variance target of <10%.
Ensure accurate invoicing and income tracking.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, or a related agricultural field (essential).
Training in Intellectual Property or South African/international Law (advantageous)
Experience
Minimum of 5 years in an agricultural research and development environment.
Experience managing legal and IP documentation in an agricultural or research context.
Financial oversight or budgeting experience within a research or business unit.
Exposure to international collaboration and stakeholder management is an advantage
Behavioural Competencies
Strong attention to detail and commitment
High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Integrity and professionalism.
Service-driven with a collaborative mindset.
Strong problem-solving and independent decision-making ability.
Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Willingness to coach and guide subordinates where necessary.
Ability to travel locally and internationally.
Technical Competencies:
Project and IP management.
Financial administration and royalty tracking.
Contract drafting and negotiation.
Database management (related to IP/royalties).
Proficiency in English; Spanish or Portuguese (advantageous)
Benefits
The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package, which comprises a provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid, and an option to structure an annual bonus.
Interested and qualified internal applicants should forward their applications (including a detailed copy of the CV) to [email protected] for the attention Orifha.
Closing date for applications will be 19 May 2025
NB: Should you not receive correspondence 01 July 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.
Title: Horticultural Development Manager
Company: Westfalia Fruit
Location: Tzaneen
