Sunshine Seedling Services, part of the TWK Group, has the following vacancy available: Manager (Clones) at Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Job Summary
This role involves the management and optimisation of the clonal propagation operation, with accountability for plant quality, production efficiency, staff performance, and compliance with nursery standards, while ensuring sustainable output aligned to operational requirements.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve clonal propagation techniques including cutting, grafting, and related methods
• Monitor and optimise growing conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, and irrigation to ensure successful cloning
• Plan and manage propagation cycles to meet production and stock requirements
• Oversee the care and maintenance of cloned plants, ensuring correct watering, nutrition, and protection throughout growth stages
• Implement and manage integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimise pest and disease impact
• Ensure consistent plant health and survival rates across all production phases
• Assess plant health and growth on an ongoing basis to ensure quality standards are met
• Establish, maintain, and enforce nursery quality standards for clonal plant material
• Identify and address quality risks timeously to prevent production losses
• Maintain accurate records of cloned plants, including species, growth stages, treatments, and performance data
• Manage stock levels and plan future propagation requirements based on operational demand
• Train, supervise, and manage staff involved in the clonal propagation process
• Allocate and delegate tasks related to plant care, monitoring, and maintenance
• Ensure workforce discipline, productivity, and adherence to operational procedures
• Remain informed on developments in clonal propagation and horticultural research
• Test and evaluate new cloning techniques, processes, or plant varieties to improve nursery output and quality

 
Qualifications and Skills

• Degree or diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field
• 10 years’ relevant experience in clonal propagation, nursery management, or plant production environments
• Strong technical knowledge of plant biology, cloning techniques, and propagation systems
• Proven ability to manage and optimise growing environments
• Demonstrated experience in pest management and IPM practices
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
• Proven leadership capability with experience managing operational teams
• Valid driver’s license (Code 08)
• High sense of responsibility and accountability
• Resilient, reliable, and trustworthy
• Strong attention to detail and quality focus
• Adaptable and innovative in problem-solving
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Team-oriented leadership approach