Johan Oosthuizen

Senior Farm Manager with experience leading commercial production across macadamias, avocados, and bananas, with full oversight of organic growing practices, packhouse operations, irrigation, and livestock. A hands-on leader who works well under pressure, trusted to manage teams of up to 350 seasonal workers and four junior managers. Dependable, and quick to take initiative, with a consistent record of meeting quality standards for both local and export markets.

Looking to bring this experience and steady leadership to a new farm management role.

Background includes seven years running and working in plumbing businesses, including an eight-month plumbing contract in Ghana, which gave me a love of new challenges and the ability to work well with people from all walks of life.

Senior Farm Manager / Production Manager at Umbhaba Estates (2023-01 – Present)

• Manage organic production of bananas, avocados, and macadamias across the full growing cycle.
• Lead and oversee four junior managers and a seasonal workforce of 250–350 general farm workers.
• Supervise all packhouse production, including fruit sorting and pack lines, macadamia X-ray machine, and refrigeration/cold-chain systems.
• Manage irrigation systems across the estate to support consistent yield and water efficiency.
• Oversee quality assurance processes to meet both local and export market standards.
• Drive ongoing improvements in health and safety practice across all farm operations.
• Plan and direct daily job allocation for farm and packhouse teams.
• Manage and supervise livestock operations, including cattle, sheep, poultry, and pigs.
• Mentor and train junior staff to build management capacity within the team.

Farm Manager at Mbove Boerdery (2021-01 – 2022-12)

• Controlled stock levels and managed work teams across daily farm operations.
• Oversaw day-to-day work scheduling and field scouting.
• Carried out maintenance on all farm equipment and machinery.

Owner at J.O. Plumbing (2019-01 – 2021-12)

• Ran an independent plumbing business, managing all client work, scheduling, and stock from quote to completion.

Plumber at Radius Plumbing (2015-01 – 2019-12)

• Planned and managed daily task schedules for plumbing teams.
• Handled staff recruitment and stock purchasing.
• Prepared invoicing and client quotes.

Foreman Driver at LYTO Plumbing (2014-01 – 2015-12)

• Controlled stock and managed work teams on plumbing projects.
• Oversaw daily plumbing work and site logistics.

National Senior Certificate in Grade 12 – Nelspruit High School (2013-12)

Deckhand Course – Ocean Star Sailing Academy