Agricultural Operations Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on or near the farm

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa’s Free State seeks an experienced Agricultural Operations Manager to oversee extensive farming operations on-site in Bloemfontein. You will plan, coordinate and optimize planting, harvesting and post-harvest activities while leading a large farm workforce.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Agriculture and 8+ years of progressive experience, with strong knowledge of crop production, soil health and machinery maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in agricultural operations management.
• Experience managing large-scale farming operations and teams.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soil management, and pest management.
• Proficiency in farm planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Experience with agricultural machinery and equipment maintenance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day farm operations including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Develop and implement annual operational plans and budgets to meet production and financial targets.
• Manage a large team of farm workers, ensuring productivity and safety.
• Ensure optimal use of resources, including water, fertilizer, seeds, and machinery.
• Implement best practices in crop management, pest and disease control, and soil health.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of farm equipment, infrastructure, and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and agricultural regulations.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and technological advancements.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Planning

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / Agronomy / Agricultural Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a large-scale agricultural producer in the Free State, is seeking an experienced Agricultural Operations Manager to oversee and optimize their extensive farming activities. This on-site role is critical for ensuring the efficient and profitable cultivation of crops across a significant landholding. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of farm operations, from planning and resource allocation to labor management and quality control. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing complex agricultural enterprises, a strong understanding of modern farming techniques, and a commitment to sustainable practices. This position offers the opportunity to lead a substantial operation and contribute to the agricultural output of the region.

Key Responsibilities

Manage all day-to-day operational activities of the farm, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Develop and implement annual operational plans and budgets to meet production and financial targets. Oversee and manage a large team of farm workers, ensuring productivity, safety, and adherence to company policies. Ensure optimal use of resources, including water, fertilizer, seeds, and machinery. Implement and monitor best practices in crop management, pest and disease control, and soil health. Oversee the maintenance and repair of farm equipment, infrastructure, and facilities. Manage inventory of inputs and harvested produce. Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and agricultural regulations. Implement quality control measures to ensure high standards of produce. Identify opportunities for operational improvements and technological advancements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Management, or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in agricultural operations management. Demonstrated success in managing large-scale farming operations and teams. Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soil management, and integrated pest management. Proficiency in farm planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. Experience with agricultural machinery and equipment maintenance. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage complex logistics. Commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and the scope of the role.
• Housing on or near the farm may be provided.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a retirement fund are included.

This is a stable, long-term position with opportunities for career advancement within a leading agricultural organization. You will have access to modern farming equipment and resources and work in a challenging yet rewarding environment.