Operations Head-Fruits & Vegetables

Key Responsibilities

A. Farm and Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day farm operations, production activities, maintenance and overall site management.
• Develop and implement operational plans in line with the company's annual business objectives.
• Monitor productivity, yield, resource utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of land, machinery, equipment, infrastructure, water and other resources.
• Establish and implement standard operating procedures for all critical operational activities.

B. Planning, Budgeting and Cost Control

• Prepare annual operating plans, production budgets and monthly operational targets.
• Monitor operating expenses and ensure adherence to approved budgets.
• Identify opportunities to reduce input costs, wastage, labour costs and operational inefficiencies without compromising quality.
• Track cost of production, output per acre/unit, and profitability across farm activities.
• Submit periodic performance reports, budget variance analyses and improvement plans to management.

C. Team and Manpower Management

• Lead, supervise and develop farm managers, supervisors, technical staff, workers and support teams.
• Plan manpower requirements based on seasonal and operational needs.
• Define roles, responsibilities, productivity standards and performance targets for team members.
• Ensure effective attendance management, workforce deployment, discipline and employee engagement.
• Build a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork and continuous improvement.

D. Procurement, Inventory and Vendor Management

• Coordinate procurement of seeds, fertilisers, crop protection products, animal feed or other operational inputs, as applicable.
• Identify, evaluate and manage suppliers and service providers.
• Ensure timely availability of quality inputs at competitive prices.
• Maintain proper inventory records and controls for consumables, tools, equipment and agricultural inputs.
• Implement systems to minimise stock losses, pilferage, expiry and unnecessary purchases.
• Ensure that procurement follows the company's approval and documentation processes.

E. Quality, Productivity and Compliance

• Establish quality standards for production, harvesting, storage, handling and dispatch.
• Monitor product quality and ensure compliance with applicable agricultural, food safety, environmental and labour regulations.
• Ensure safe handling and storage of fertilisers, pesticides, chemicals and other hazardous materials, where applicable.
• Maintain operational records, licences, inspection reports and statutory documentation.
• Promote sustainable farming practices, efficient water management and responsible resource utilisation.

F. Maintenance and Infrastructure

• Ensure proper upkeep of farm infrastructure, irrigation systems, machinery, vehicles, storage facilities and utilities.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and monitor equipment downtime.
• Coordinate repairs and infrastructure development projects.
• Ensure availability and operational readiness of critical equipment and facilities.

G. Harvesting, Storage and Dispatch

• Plan harvesting and post-harvest activities based on production schedules and market requirements.
• Coordinate grading, sorting, packing, storage, transportation and dispatch, as applicable.
• Minimise post-harvest losses and ensure timely delivery of products.
• Coordinate with sales, marketing, logistics and customers to align production with demand and delivery commitments.

H. MIS, Reporting and Performance Monitoring

• Develop operational dashboards and management information systems (MIS).
• Track daily, weekly and monthly operational performance against targets.
• Submit regular reports covering production, yield, manpower, procurement, inventory, costs, quality, wastage and profitability.
• Identify operational risks and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to management for business growth and operational improvements.

I. Business Growth and Continuous Improvement

• Work with the Managing Director and management team to execute business expansion and improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve yields, diversify production, adopt technology and optimise processes.
• Support the implementation of farm management software, digital reporting and inventory control systems.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational discipline, transparency, productivity and return on investment.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline. A relevant diploma with substantial practical experience may also be considered.
• Approximately 815 years of relevant experience, including at least 35 years in a senior farm operations, agricultural production or operations management role.
• Experience managing large teams, farm infrastructure, operating budgets and multiple operational activities.
• Strong understanding of agricultural production systems, resource planning, procurement and cost management.
• Experience in developing SOPs, performance dashboards, budgets and operational reports.
• Familiarity with farm management software, ERP systems or MS Excel will be an advantage.
• Experience in the specific farming or allied business activities of Jagtap Farms Pvt. Ltd. will be preferred.

4. Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities.
• Excellent planning, execution and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial acumen and a clear focus on profitability.
• Ability to analyse operational data and make informed decisions.
• Strong vendor negotiation and resource management skills.
• Effective communication and coordination across departments.
• High standards of integrity, discipline and accountability.
• Practical, hands-on approach with the ability to work in a farm environment.
• Willingness to travel between operational sites and work according to seasonal or business requirements.