Post Harvest Lead

Role Overview

This position leads the entire post-harvest chain for hybrid seed production, from the moment mature fruit arrives at the facility through to the final shipment of packed, labelled seed. You will coordinate receiving, quality inspection, seed extraction, drying, storage, and dispatch while safeguarding genetic purity and full traceability at every step. Your work directly determines whether customers receive seed that meets strict quality and phytosanitary standards, so a disciplined, process-driven approach is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all post-harvest phases, including fruit intake, cold storage, quality checks, seed extraction, washing, drying, weighing, labelling, packing, and dispatch, coordinating closely with logistics to keep shipments on schedule.
• Maintain accurate records across all production software and documentation systems, ensuring batch numbers, sample histories, and stock movements are fully traceable.
• Implement protocols that protect the genetic identity of each variety and prevent cross-contamination throughout extraction and handling.
• Manage seed store operations, including stock levels, bio-lock security, and inbound/outbound tracking for both in-house and third-party seed lots.
• Coordinate with the engineering team to keep extraction, washing, drying, and packing equipment fully operational, scheduling preventive maintenance and resolving breakdowns quickly.
• Arrange for the proper disposal or destruction of surplus and overproduced seed in collaboration with production strategists and field managers, documenting every action.
• Prepare and store disease-testing samples each cycle, ensuring they are correctly retained for laboratory submission and compliance checks.
• Manage third-party contracts related to seed processing and service levels, and verify that shipment documentation and batch requisitions are approved and submitted on time.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, crop protection, biology, or a closely related field.
• At least 4–5 years of hands-on experience in post-harvest seed operations, seed processing, or production management within an agricultural or seed company.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with high attention to detail for quality records, inventory counts, and data integrity.
• Solid understanding of tomato crop physiology, common pests and diseases, and the ability to recognise symptom patterns that affect seed quality.
• Working knowledge of seed technology, including extraction, drying, germination standards, and seed health testing.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools, especially Excel, as well as familiarity with smart-sheet platforms and Power BI for reporting and tracking.
• Experience operating or troubleshooting post-harvest machinery such as extractors, washers, dryers, and packing lines.
• People management experience, including coaching, training, and motivating a production team while maintaining clear communication across shifts.
• Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions during peak harvest and dispatch periods without compromising quality or safety.
• A proactive, curious mindset with strong accountability for results and a commitment to GSPP and HSE standards.