Senior Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Horticulture

Placements24; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Salary with performance-based Incentiv

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Professional growth and leadership dev

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee extensive horticultural operations in Gauteng. The role demands strategic leadership to plan crops, allocate resources, and drive productivity and profitability.

You will lead a diverse team, ensure safety and environmental protocols, manage budgets, and collaborate with partners while adopting new technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Farm Management, or related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale agricultural operations, with a strong emphasis on horticulture.
• Proven expertise in crop management, irrigation systems, soil science, and pest/disease control.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience in managing and motivating teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve farm production targets and financial goals.
• Manage all aspects of crop cultivation, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Oversee the procurement and efficient utilization of farm resources, including seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and labor.
• Lead, train, and mentor a diverse team of farm workers, supervisors, and technical staff.
• Implement and enforce health, safety, and environmental protocols across the farm operations.
• Monitor farm performance using key metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Collaborate with supply chain partners, distributors, and research institutions to ensure seamless operations and market access.
• Maintain detailed records of all farm activities, production outputs, and financial transactions.
• Drive innovation and adopt new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Machinery knowledge

Agricultural software

Sustainability

Organization

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Horticulture

Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Farm Operations Manager to oversee their extensive horticultural operations in Tembisa, Gauteng . This critical role demands a strategic leader capable of managing all facets of large-scale farming, from crop planning and resource allocation to team leadership and financial oversight. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of modern agricultural techniques, a commitment to sustainable practices, and a proven track record of maximizing productivity and profitability. You will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective day-to-day running of the farm, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement across all operational areas. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape the future of a major agricultural enterprise in the region, working with advanced technologies and a dedicated team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve farm production targets and financial goals.
• Manage all aspects of crop cultivation, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Oversee the procurement and efficient utilization of farm resources, including seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and labor.
• Lead, train, and mentor a diverse team of farm workers, supervisors, and technical staff.
• Implement and enforce health, safety, and environmental protocols across the farm operations.
• Monitor farm performance using key metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Collaborate with supply chain partners, distributors, and research institutions to ensure seamless operations and market access.
• Maintain detailed records of all farm activities, production outputs, and financial transactions.
• Drive innovation and adopt new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Farm Management, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale agricultural operations, with a strong emphasis on horticulture.
• Proven expertise in crop management, irrigation systems, soil science, and pest/disease control.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience in managing and motivating teams.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and performance analysis.
• Excellent understanding of farm machinery, equipment, and maintenance.
• Proficiency in agricultural software and data management systems.
• A commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• An attractive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility between on-site and remote work.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Access to modern farming technologies and resources.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.