Operations Manager

• Overig
• Fulltime
• HBO, WO
• DFG Facilities
• Management

Through our close collaboration with Nini-Herburg Roses, we are helping them find the right candidate for this role

A pivotal role at the heart of our rose production

At Nini-Herburg Roses, everything revolves around growth. Not only of our roses, but of the people who make it happen. In Ethiopia, our large and dedicated team grows the finest roses for customers worldwide. That calls for someone who keeps daily operations running smoothly—someone with oversight, courage and genuine passion for the craft.

We're looking for an Operations Manager who will be the beating heart of our Ethiopian farm. A hands-on leader who works alongside the team, makes decisions with confidence and finds solutions—even when plans change.

What you'll do as our Operations Manager

• You start early, when the sun is still low above the greenhouses. As the first teams get to work, you walk the site to make sure everything runs as it should: irrigation pumps humming, the cold room performing, and fertiliser and packaging materials in stock.
• You know exactly what's needed to keep production moving. You coordinate with suppliers on orders, align with the Crop Manager on export planning and keep a close eye on budgets together with the General Manager.
• Unexpected things happen: a delayed delivery, a technical fault, or a sudden change in export timing. You keep a cool head and come up with creative, workable solutions.

Working in Ethiopia is special: stunning nature, warm people and huge potential—as well as real challenges. Processes don't always run as they do in Europe; imports can be delayed, local regulations may change and sometimes you simply need extra patience and ingenuity. That's what makes this role so meaningful: you're the one who gets things done where others might give up.

• You're visible on the floor, close to the people and tuned in to what's happening. You create short lines, clear communication and smooth collaboration between departments. With over a thousand colleagues on the farm, everything hinges on teamwork—and you're the connector.

This isn't a nine-to-five job, but a role in which you truly show up. The farm runs seven days a week with hours that vary by season. Sometimes the work asks for flexibility or unexpected shifts. If you love adventure, responsibility and tangible results, that's exactly the charm of this role.

"At Nina-Herburg Roses in Ethiopia, no day is predictable—and that's what makes it special. You work with people who are passionate about what they do. Together we solve challenges and celebrate successes." —Sol, General Manager Ethiopia

Who you are as an Operations Manager

• A natural organiser who not only makes plans, but delivers them. You feel at home in an international environment and enjoy the pace that comes with it.
• Bachelor's level working and thinking skills, with at least four to five years' experience in an operational or production setting—e.g. agribusiness, horticulture or manufacturing.
• You speak excellent English (Dutch is a plus) and know how to motivate people at all levels.
• Flexible, resilient and curious. You enjoy solving complex puzzles and see working in Ethiopia not just as a challenge, but as a chance to grow—personally and professionally.
  Growing together: as part of the international management team, you'll work closely with colleagues in Kenya, Ethiopia and the Netherlands. In this role you report to the General Manager and the Group's Managing Director.

What we offer

• An attractive, experience-based salary. We're happy to discuss details early in the process.
• A unique opportunity to work in an inspiring setting amidst Ethiopia's natural beauty.
• A key role within an international company that is part of parent company DFG—with all the advantages of a strong, innovative group.
• Plenty of freedom and responsibility to shape your role.
• A close-knit team of dedicated colleagues in Ethiopia, Kenya and the Netherlands.
• An experience that broadens your world—literally and figuratively.

Working at Nini-Herburg Roses

Nini-Herburg Roses grows millions of roses each year in Ethiopia and Kenya for consumers around the globe. From our head office in Honselersdijk, the Netherlands, a small and committed team drives sustainable growth. We invest in our people and the communities we operate in—from schools and childcare to environmentally friendly cultivation methods and projects that improve life for our employees and their families.

At Nini-Herburg Roses, it's not just our roses that bloom—you'll have room to grow, too.

Ready for this adventure?

Do you have the knowledge, passion and drive to strengthen our cultivation?Apply via the link below and we will make sure your application reaches Philippe at Nini-Herburg Roses. If you have any questions about the vacancy, we kindly ask you to send a short message to our HR Manager Madelon at [email protected].

We look forward to meeting you

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