Top Fruit International, is seeking a Pome Fruit & IP Specialist to join their team in Simondium (Western Cape). The role will involve extensive international travel with the purpose of providing technical leadership across Top Fruit’s key pome fruit varieties; supporting the development, protection, and rollout of new varieties.

The successful candidate will be technically strong, commercially aware, and enjoy working with people. The role involves engaging with growers, breeders, nurseries, and international partners. Working within a global technical network, the incumbent must be comfortable operating independently while integrating into Top Fruit’s collaborative culture.

Duties and responsibilities will include: *Provide technical support and guidance for Top Fruit’s pome fruit varieties globally *Oversee varietal evaluation, performance monitoring, and field trials *Coordinate the commercial rollout and licensing of varieties *Manage intellectual property processes, including Plant Breeder Rights (PBR) and variety protection *Maintain strong relationships with growers, breeders, nurseries, and other stakeholders at an international level *Participate in and coordinate field visits, field days, and international site assessments *Provide advisory support to the broader Top Fruit Group *Any additional tasks related to the role.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

• BSc in Horticulture, MSc will be highly preferred;

• 12-15 years' technical experience in pome fruit production, varietal management or horticulture advisory services;

• Knowledge of relevant intellectual property, licensing, & contract processes;

• Excellent communication skills in Afrikaans & English;

• Willingness to travel nationally & internationally.

Please apply online at www.m3online.co.za before 09:00 on 16 April 2026.

For general enquiries, contact our team at M3 Human Capital Management on XXX-XXXX.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.