Agricultural Operations Manager

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

performance-based bonuses

comprehensive health insurance

a retirement annuity

generous leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an Agricultural Operations Manager for George, Western Cape. This senior role leads large-scale farming activities, driving efficiency and profitability while applying sustainable farming practices.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelors or Masters in Agriculture and has 7+ years of progressive management experience, with strong leadership, budgeting, and data analysis skills to oversee crops, livestock (if applicable), and resources across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive agricultural management experience.
• Strong knowledge of crop science, soil management and irrigation.
• Proven leadership and experience managing large workforces.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis.
• Driver's license and willingness to travel within Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational plans for farming activities.
• Oversee crop production phases from land preparation to harvest.
• Manage machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Lead and motivate farm workers and supervisors.
• Ensure safety, environmental and quality standards across operations.
• Manage budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain records of production, inventory, labor, and financial performance.
• Liaise with suppliers, service providers, and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Farm management software

Data analysis

People management

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural enterprise in the scenic region of George, Western Cape , is actively seeking an experienced and dynamic Agricultural Operations Manager. This senior leadership position is integral to the strategic direction and day-to-day management of extensive farming operations. The role demands a blend of strong leadership acumen, a deep understanding of modern agricultural practices, and a commitment to sustainable farming. The ideal candidate will oversee all aspects of crop cultivation, livestock management (if applicable), resource allocation, and team supervision to ensure maximum productivity and profitability. This is an exciting opportunity to manage large-scale agricultural projects in a region renowned for its natural beauty and agricultural potential. We are looking for an individual who can drive efficiency, implement best practices, and contribute to the long-term success of our client's ventures in George .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational plans for farming activities, ensuring alignment with company goals and market demands.
• Oversee all phases of crop production, including land preparation, planting, irrigation, pest and disease control, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Manage and optimize the use of agricultural machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Supervise, train, and motivate a diverse team of farm workers and supervisors, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations, environmental protection standards, and quality control measures across all operations.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost savings.
• Maintain accurate records of production, inventory, labor, and financial performance.
• Liaise with suppliers, service providers, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agricultural management, with a proven track record of managing large-scale farming operations.
• Strong knowledge of crop science, soil management, irrigation techniques, and modern farming technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with experience in managing large workforces.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape region.
• Understanding of the specific agricultural challenges and opportunities within the George area.

Benefits

• performance-based bonuses
• comprehensive health insurance
• a retirement annuity
• generous leave provisions