Production Officer - Seed Processing, Reitz at VKB Group

Why This Role Matters

• The Production Officer is responsible for coordinating and controlling seed production activities from planning through to processing, certification, packaging, inventory management, and customer delivery.
• This role is ideal for an agricultural professional who is passionate about seed production, plant operations, quality assurance, and working closely with producers. Your contribution will directly impact agricultural productivity by ensuring that certified seed products meet customer expectations, SANSOR requirements, and international quality standards.

Why Join VKB?

At VKB, you become part of an organisation that is deeply rooted in agriculture and committed to developing both people and communities.

We offer:

• The opportunity to contribute to South African agriculture and food security.
• Exposure to a highly specialised seed production environment.
• Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities.
• A culture driven by humility, innovation, teamwork, accountability, and excellence.
• The opportunity to build lasting relationships with producers, customers, and industry stakeholders.
• Meaningful work in the heart of the Free State agricultural region.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

• Ensure seed processing activities are completed according to approved production plans and schedules.
• Maintain compliance with SANSOR, ISTA, and VKB quality standards.
• Deliver accurate inventory control and product traceability.
• Build trusted relationships with seed producers and customers.
• Achieve production targets while maintaining exceptional product quality.
• Ensure operational efficiency, cost control, and effective workforce management.
• Develop and support employees through coaching, training, and leadership.
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and organised processing environment.

Who Are We Looking For? (Ideal Candidate Profile)

We are looking for a technically strong agricultural professional who combines operational excellence with strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities.

The ideal candidate:

• Has a passion for seed production and quality assurance.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Understands agricultural production systems and seed certification processes.
• Can effectively engage with farmers, producers, and customers.
• Is highly organised and detail oriented.
• Takes ownership of outcomes and drives continuous improvement.
• Leads by example and develops others.
• Is comfortable balancing technical, administrative, and commercial responsibilities.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Plant Production, Agronomy, Botany, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Registered Field Inspector with SANSOR – or willing to obtain certification.
• Certified SANSOR Sampler – or willing to obtain certification.
• Qualified Seed Analyst and Grain Grader will be advantageous
• Valid driver's licence.
• Fumigation

Essential Experience

• 3 to 5 years' experience within a seed production, seed processing, or seed certification environment.
• Practical knowledge of seed processing, packaging, handling, storage, certification, and production processes.
• Experience working with SANSOR systems and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in inventory management and production planning.
• Exposure to customer engagement, sales, or agricultural marketing environments.
• Experience supervising or leading operational teams within an agricultural processing environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.

Competencies

• Planning and organising
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Leadership and people management
• Attention to detail
• Decision-making
• Accountability and ownership
• Customer focus
• Relationship building
• Quality orientation
• Adaptability and resilience
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Effective communication

Skills Required

• Seed certification and quality assurance knowledge
• Production planning and scheduling
• Inventory and stock control
• Data analysis and reporting
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• SANSOR system proficiency
• Knowledge of seed conditioner and seed sieves
• Agricultural product knowledge
• Negotiation and stakeholder engagement
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Fluent Afrikaans and English communication skills
• Ability to interpret regulations and compliance requirements
• Coaching and mentoring ability

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate production planning activities and monitor progress against approved schedules.
• Manage and control seed processing operations, including sieving, treatment, packaging, and storage.
• Ensure full compliance with VKB policies, SANSOR requirements, and ISTA regulations.
• Manage inventory, product traceability, and stock accuracy.
• Coordinate seed sampling, testing, grading, and certification activities.
• Liaise regularly with seed producers regarding production, deliveries, and quality requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Monitor fleet utilisation and report deviations in accordance with VKB Fleet Management policies.
• Manage overtime, workforce planning, and labour efficiency in line with company policies.
• Support HR-related activities within the plant environment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, risk, and operational standards.
• Analyse production data and prepare operational reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency and product quality.
• Stay informed on industry developments, technologies, and best practices in seed processing.
• Train, mentor, and coach plant employees to support succession planning and capability development.
• Support sales and seed distribution activities when required.

Closing Date 08 November 2026