About Keelings
Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships - powered by our dedicated people.
Purpose of the Role:
The role of Crop Protection (Operations) Manager is to manage all aspects of planning and execution of crop protection activities across Keelings Farms (Ireland).
Key Responsibilities:
1. Crop Protection Program Development:
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Support the agronomy team to develop and implement comprehensive IPM plan for plant health, pest and disease control.
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Support the agronomy team to select and recommend suitable biological agents, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
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Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to all products utilised in IPM activities.
2. Equipment Management:
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Ensure regular maintenance and calibration of application and irrigation equipment.
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Coordinate with the maintenance team to ensure all equipment is in optimal condition.
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Train and supervise staff in the safe and efficient use of spraying equipment.
3. Stock Management:
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Responsible for monitoring inventory levels, ensuring that stock levels are maintained at optimal levels to meet demand without overstocking. This includes tracking stock movements, conducting regular stock audits, and managing reorder points.
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Coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely ordering and delivery of stock.
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Optimising store layout, ensuring safety and compliance, and managing store access.
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Provide regular reports to management on inventory performance, including stock levels, turnover rates, and potential stock shortages or excesses.
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Ensuring that all stock management processes comply with relevant regulations and industry standards. This includes managing risks such as stock obsolescence, damage, theft, and ensuring proper documentation of all stock movements.
4. Records Management:
Maintain and secure all stock movement records.
Purchases / Received, Movements / Internal placements, Consumption / Utilisation, Disposal / Obsolescence.
Ensure that appropriate records are maintained for;
Applications undertaken (Agrochemical, Fertilisers, Biologicals)
PPE utilisation / Disposal.
Machinery maintenance and calibration.
5. Team Leadership:
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Lead and supervise a team of crop protection operators and assistants.
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Conduct training sessions to enhance team members' skills and knowledge.
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Foster a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and excellence.
6. Business Unit Director (BUD) Initiatives 1
Team Leadership:
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Coach and mentor the Crop protection team, building on operational excellence through collaboration
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Facilitate training programs to enhance the skillset of the farms teams.
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Encourage a positive and collaborative work culture within the farms team.
Risk Management
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Develop and implement Risk Management Strategies within your area of responsibility
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Support the farms business unit to deliver on integrated risk management processes and procedures throughout the business unit.
Research & Innovation
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Drive Research and innovation initiatives across the farms:
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Identify, develop and delivery professionally managed Research activities to deliver advancements to the benefit of the horticultural industry.
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Support the farms team to design, implement and manage research activities across all areas of the farms.
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Support the adaptation of appropriate research and innovation outputs which promote the activates of the farm enterprise in line with overarching strategies.
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Work Collaboratively with the Farms management team to develop implementation and adaptation strategies for new technologies as proven through industry or research activities.
Key Focus of the Role:
7. Optimizing Crop Health:
Implementing effective spray programs to ensure the health and productivity of fruit crops.
8. Environmental Sustainability:
Balancing pest control needs with environmentally sustainable practices.
9. Regulatory Compliance:
Ensuring adherence to local and international regulations governing chemical applications in agriculture.
10. Team Collaboration:
Working closely with farm management, agronomists, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.
11. Cost Management
Implement effective cost management strategies to optimize resource allocation and enhance financial performance.
12. Risk Management
Through effective management strategies, limit the farms exposure to risks through all farm activities, direct and indirect.
Key Skills & Knowledge
Essential:
- Excel skills are required with a particular competency in numeracy.
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Attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
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Fluent English.
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Certificate in Chemical compliance.
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Experience in managing spraying.
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Full clean driving licence.
Education & Qualifications:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal Skills.
Benefits:
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Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidized canteen
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Free On-site parking with access to electric chargers
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Wellness Initiatives such as wellness week
Keelings Values
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People Matter
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Teamwork
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Integrity
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Passion for Achievement
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at [email protected]
Recruitment Process
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1. CV Submission & email acknowledgment of receipt
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2. Phone Screening
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3. 1st Interview
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4. 2nd Interview
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5. Outcome & Feedback
Keelings Careers - https://www.keelings.com/careers-keelings/
Keelings Strategy & Values - https://www.keelings.com/our-people/
