Production Manager – Arusha, Tanzania

About the role

Rijk Zwaan is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead the operations of our Arusha station in Tanzania. This senior leadership position combines hands‑on involvement in daily greenhouse, nursery and seed processing activities with strategic planning for long‑term growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary production and operational teams.
• Manage greenhouse, nursery, seed production, seed processing, inventory and shipment activities to meet production and quality targets.
• Drive annual and long‑term strategic planning, budgeting, resource allocation and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, hygiene and environmental standards.
• Lead innovation, sustainability and infrastructure development projects.
• Provide visible leadership, coaching and operational support on the ground (≈80% of time).

Required profile

• Proven leadership experience in agricultural or horticultural production environments.
• Strong operational expertise combined with strategic and analytical thinking.
• Excellent planning, organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Passion for people development, high ethical standards and ability to foster teamwork.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic setting, committed to quality and safety.

Required skills

• Greenhouse production knowledge
• Nursery production expertise
• Seed production and seed processing operations
• Quality management systems
• Health, safety and environmental standards
• Budgeting and resource planning
• Process optimisation