A Farm Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of a farm or agricultural production facility, which generally includes the following responsibilities, but is not limited to: -
Responsibilities
- Planning and organizing farm operations - responsible for developing and implementing farm plans and schedules for planting, harvesting, and other operations.
- Managing farm employees - responsible for hiring, training, and supervising farm workers, as well as scheduling and assigning tasks to ensure that work is completed efficiently and safely.
- Ensuring compliance with regulations - knowledgeable about local, state, and federal regulations related to farming, such as environmental and safety regulations. Responsible for ensuring that the farm is in compliance with these regulations.
- Maintaining equipment and facilities in a cost-efficient way - responsible for ensuring that all equipment and facilities are well-maintained and in good working condition. This includes overseeing repairs and maintenance, as well as coordinating the purchase of new equipment and supplies as needed.
- Budgeting and financial management - responsible for developing and managing the farm's budget, including expenses related to labor, equipment, supplies, and other costs. Also responsible for monitoring financial performance and making strategic decisions to maximize profitability.
- Marketing and sales - responsible for marketing and selling farm products to wholesalers, retailers, or consumers. This includes developing marketing strategies, negotiating contracts, and coordinating deliveries.
- Ensuring food safety & security - responsible for ensuring that all food produced on the farm is safe for consumption. This includes monitoring and managing risks related to food safety, as well as implementing and maintaining food safety protocols also, physical security, access control, surveillance, and emergency response procedures
- Reporting - The Farm Operation Manager is required to prepare monthly progress reports and review the operational, sales, and marketing plans to drive sales and revenue for the Management/Board, as well as any ad-hoc updates, especially duringsite visits.
- Continuous Improvement—The Farm Operation Manager must introduce new farming methods and formulation capabilities as part of developing new products and innovative farming concepts.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, or a similar discipline is often required.
- Proven experience in farm management, including knowledge of crop cultivation, livestock management, and farm equipment operation.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural management, including experience managing a team.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Knowledge of farming equipment and machinery.
- Ability to develop and implement growth and production strategies.
- A passion for agriculture.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- The ability to make decisions in stressful environments.