Farm Manager

AfricaWork; Lisboa; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

AfricaWork is seeking an experienced Irrigated Farm Manager for a 100-hectare farm in Lisboa, Portugal. You will be responsible for the technical, human, and economic management of the farm, ensuring high-quality production and compliance with food safety standards.

The ideal candidate has a Bac+2 to Bac+5 in agronomy, strong experience in vegetable production, and mandatory expertise in center pivot irrigation systems. This position requires leadership and excellent management skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in intensive open-field vegetable production.
• Mandatory experience with center pivot irrigation systems.
• Proven experience in agricultural team management.

Responsibilities

• Plan and monitor cropping schedules for continuous production.
• Manage irrigation systems and determine water needs.
• Supervise, train, and motivate farming teams.
• Ensure traceability of all operations.

Skills

Strong command of pivot irrigation and fertigation systems

Excellent knowledge of crop production techniques

Skills in integrated pest management

Leadership and management skills

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Bac+2 to Bac+5 in agronomy or agricultural management

Job description

We are recruiting for one of our clients in the intensive agriculture and vegetable production sector a Irrigated Farm Manager.

Area: 100 hectares under irrigation

Main mission:

You will be responsible for the technical, human, and economic management of a 100-hectare farm equipped with center pivot irrigation systems.

Your goal is to optimize yields, ensure high-quality production, and guarantee compliance with traceability and food safety standards.

Responsibilities:

A. Agronomic management and crop planning

• Plan and monitor cropping schedules to ensure continuous production
• Manage irrigation systems (center pivots) and determine water needs based on crops and climate conditions
• Develop fertilization plans based on soil analysis and yield targets
• Implement an integrated crop protection strategy

B. Team management

• Supervise, train, and motivate teams (permanent and seasonal workers)
• Organize daily work across the farm
• Participate in staff recruitment and onboarding
• Ensure smooth communication with management

C. Logistics, maintenance, and equipment

• Oversee the use and maintenance of agricultural equipment (tractors, pumps, tools, etc.)
• Ensure preventive maintenance of center pivots and organize repairs in case of breakdowns
• Coordinate harvesting operations and transport logistics

D. Administrative and financial management

• Ensure traceability of all operations (sowing, treatments, irrigation, fertilization, yields)
• Contribute to budget planning and monitoring
• Optimize production costs (inputs, labor, mechanization)
• Produce regular reports for management

Required profile:

Education :

• Bac+2 to Bac+5 in agronomy, crop production, horticulture, or agricultural management (BTSA, professional degree, agricultural engineer, master’s degree)

Experience :

• Minimum 5 years in intensive open-field vegetable production
• Mandatory experience with center pivot irrigation systems
• Proven experience in agricultural team management

Technical skills :

• Strong command of pivot irrigation and fertigation systems
• Excellent knowledge of crop production techniques (carrot, onion, chili pepper)
• Skills in integrated pest management
• Ability to diagnose breakdowns and organize maintenance
• Leadership and management skills
• Rigor, organization, and autonomy
• Reactivity and practical mindset
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Awareness of environmental issues and food safety standards

Job conditions:

• Field-based position requiring high availability (weekends and public holidays possible during peak periods)