Farm Business Manager

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 91,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with performance-based/

Medical aid

Retirement fund

On-site role

Professional development & training

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Farm Business Manager for a major agricultural operation in Upington. The role leads strategic planning, financial control, and day-to-day farm operations to drive profitability and sustainability.

The ideal candidate brings extensive farming leadership experience, strong budgeting and analytics, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a dynamic agricultural environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years progressive experience in farm management or agribusiness leadership with a strong financial track record.
• Deep knowledge of agricultural production systems, crop science, and livestock management relevant to the Northern Cape.
• Proven financial management skills including budgeting, forecasting and analysis.
• Strong leadership, team management and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard productivity tools.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and operational challenges.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive business plans, financial strategies, and budgets for the farm.
• Oversee all farm operations including crop production, livestock management, and land use for efficiency and profitability.
• Manage budgeting, cash flow, expenses, and investment analysis.
• Monitor market trends and identify growth opportunities to improve competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, safety and environmental laws.
• Lead, mentor and manage farm staff for a productive, safe workplace.
• Oversee procurement and maintenance of farm equipment and supplies.
• Cultivate relationships with suppliers, customers, banks, and regulators.
• Implement and manage farm MIS to track performance and support decisions.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across farm operations.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Agriculture/Agribusiness/Business Administration

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a substantial agricultural operation with diverse interests in the Upington, Northern Cape region, is seeking a highly competent Farm Business Manager. This leadership role is responsible for the overall strategic planning, financial management, operational oversight, and performance of the farm business. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of agricultural knowledge, financial acumen, and proven management experience, capable of driving profitability and sustainability in a challenging environment. This is a comprehensive management position that offers the opportunity to shape the future of a significant agricultural enterprise in the Northern Cape. We are dedicated to achieving excellence in agricultural business management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive business plans, financial strategies, and operational budgets for the farm.
• Oversee all aspects of farm operations, including crop production, livestock management, and land utilization, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
• Manage financial resources, including budgeting, cash flow, expense control, and investment analysis.
• Monitor market trends, identify opportunities for growth, and develop strategies to enhance market competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental legislation.
• Lead, mentor, and manage farm staff, fostering a productive and safe working environment.
• Oversee the acquisition and maintenance of farm equipment, infrastructure, and supplies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies.
• Implement and manage farm management information systems to track performance, analyze data, and support decision-making.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in all aspects of the farm business operations in the Upington area.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in farm management or agribusiness leadership, with a strong track record of financial performance.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural production systems, crop science, and livestock management relevant to the Northern Cape.
• Proven financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong leadership, team management, and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard business productivity tools.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and operational challenges.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• A valid driver's license is essential for overseeing operations across the farm.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package and performance-based bonuses, reflecting the senior nature of this role.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• This position presents a significant career opportunity to lead and grow a prominent agricultural business in the Upington region.
• Opportunities for further professional development and strategic training will be supported.
• The role is based on-site, providing direct oversight and engagement with the farm operations.
• Our client values experienced leadership and offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment.
• You will be instrumental in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the business.
• The role is based on-site, providing direct oversight and engagement with the farm operations.
• Our client values experienced leadership and offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment.
• You will be instrumental in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the business.
• We foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.