Agricultural Manager

Stonebridge HR Solutions; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Stonebridge HR Solutions is seeking a senior leader to plan and coordinate agricultural production sites, oversee hiring and training of farmers, and drive cost-effective operations across farms and nurseries. The role requires extensive experience in agriculture, strong management skills, and deep knowledge of horticulture, particularly in vegetables.

Candidates with retailer experience and regulatory knowledge are preferred, with a focus on robust supplier relationships and productivity

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in Agriculture (Essential).
• 5+ years in a management position (Essential).
• Advanced knowledge of horticulture and horticultural production in the vegetable space (Essential).
• Experience growing, producing and supplying directly into one, preferably two of the three major retailers in South Africa (preferred).
• Knowledge of technical/audit requirements of retailers in SA (beneficial).

Responsibilities

• Planning, supervision of planting, fertilization, and harvesting processes.
• Oversee hiring, training, and managing farm workers.
• Select equipment and supplies to support the farm.
• Keep records and market the yearly yield.
• Develop and lead strategic sourcing activities and negotiations.
• Prepare monthly projections and track costs against budget.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations and safety policies.
• Engage with stakeholders and partners across farming operations.

Skills

10+ years agriculture experience

5+ years management

Advanced horticulture knowledge

Education

Grade 12

Tertiary qualification beneficial

Job description

* areas close to Elandsfontein Babsfontein, East Rand, Pretoria East (The Hills Estate)

Position overview

• Plan and coordinate the operation of farms, nurseries, greenhouses, and other agricultural production sites. Hire and train farmers to care for the crops under their supervision. Oversee all aspects of running farms and other facilities that produce crops.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• Tertiary qualification will be beneficial but not essential
• 10+ years experience in the Agriculture industry (Essential)
• 5+ years within a management position (Essential)
• Advanced knowledge of horticulture and horticultural production primarily in the vegetable space (Essential)
• Experience Growing, producing and supplying directly into one, preferably two of the three major retailers in South Africa
• Knowledge of technical / audit requirements of retailers within South Africa will be beneficial

Responsibilities

• Planning, supervising, of the planting, fertilization, and harvesting process.
• Oversee hiring, training, and managing farm workers, ensuring that they are properly prepared for their positions.
• Selecting the proper equipment and supplies needed to properly support the farm.
• Keep records and market the yield for that year.
• Use strategic sourcing to develop and drive strategies and processes.
• Develop and lead strategic sourcing activities, including internal and external analysis and negotiations.
• Keep track of projections based on changing market environment.
• Develop and promote robust supplier diversity.
• Prepare daily/weekly/monthly projections.
• Track total cost of production and variations to budget.
• Knowledge of procurement and supply chain as they relate to agricultural industry.
• General knowledge of production, markets, and supply chain processes of agricultural commodities.
• Lead ongoing joint business activities(outgrowers).
• Direct performance on KPIs, and productivity initiatives and innovation.
• Manage and coordinate all phases of agricultural production from planting to harvest.
• Maximize premium yield in the most cost-effective manner.
• Be willing to approach agriculture holistically but with a business mindset.
• Have a broad scope of knowledge that includes crop and soil science, meteorology, crop physiology, and related fields like predictive modelling.
• Communicate findings to colleagues.

Other responsibilities may include

• Enforce government regulations.
• Write business proposals for funding purposes.
• Lead/coordinate cross-functional efforts to support activities regarding ingredients quality, product innovation, and corporate social responsibilities.
• Lead cross functional groups to develop productivity programs that deliver enabler and Total Procurement Value targets.
• Develop and articulate monthly commodity strategy for the CPO and procurement leadership and other reports as needed.
• Develop category specific information on spend, supplier performance, compliance, standards and specifications and industry benchmarks.
• Manage all personnel including payroll, hiring, terminating, layoffs, scheduling, training, and providing the necessary equipment to fulfil job responsibilities.
• Oversee all aspects of production, including but not limited to fertilizing, pruning, irrigation, spraying, ground maintenance, harvest, packing, storage, and logistics.
• Assist in producing and managing annual budgets.
• Use consultants to research and implement new agricultural/horticultural technologies.
• Implement growing and quality standards.
• Implement and manage human and food safety policies and practices for all employees and third parties.
• Review current research in the field in order to develop horticultural and technical knowledge.
• Engage in technical report preparation.
• Foster a positive and safe work environment with mentorship opportunities.
• Navigate regional, and international regulations, and best practices.
• Liaise with farm stakeholders and partners.
• Consult with farmers, engineers, fellow scientists, and government agencies regarding best practices.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us in 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.