Agricultural Operations Manager

Placements24; Randfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to modern agricultural tech

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Agricultural Operations Manager for the Rustenburg region in North West. You will oversee day-to-day operations across multiple farming units, driving efficiency, profitability, and sustainable farming practices.

You will lead a diverse team, implement best practices, optimize resources, and manage budgets while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Travel between farm sites in the Rustenburg area is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Business Management, or related field.
• 7+ years experience in agricultural operations management.
• Budgets, resource allocation, and productivity optimization.
• Crop cycles, soil science, pest management, and ag technologies.
• Leadership, communication, and stakeholder liaison skills.
• Ability to travel between farm sites in Rustenburg area.

Responsibilities

• Directing and coordinating agricultural operations across multiple farm sites (crop cultivation, planting, harvesting, pest management).
• Developing and implementing strategies to maximize yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Managing farm budgets and expenses to meet financial targets.
• Supervising farm managers and staff, ensuring a productive and safe work environment.
• Overseeing procurement of inputs, equipment, and supplies.
• Implementing land, water, and soil health best practices.
• Ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations, safety, and environmental standards.
• Managing storage, transport, and delivery logistics to market or processing facilities.
• Leveraging agricultural technology for data-driven decisions.
• Conducting performance reviews and driving continuous improvement across operations.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural producer in the Rustenburg, North West region, is seeking an experienced and strategic Agricultural Operations Manager. This senior role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of multiple farming units, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of large-scale crop production, livestock management (if applicable), and supply chain logistics within the agricultural sector. You will lead a diverse team of farm staff and supervisors, implement best practices, and drive operational improvements. This position requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and a deep commitment to sustainable and technologically advanced farming methods in the North West province. We are looking for a visionary leader capable of optimizing resources and ensuring the highest standards of agricultural output.

Key Responsibilities

• Directing and coordinating all agricultural operations across various farm sites, including crop cultivation, planting, harvesting, and pest management.


• Developing and implementing operational strategies to maximize yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness.


• Managing farm budgets, controlling expenses, and ensuring financial targets are met.


• Supervising and motivating farm managers and personnel, fostering a productive and safe work environment.


• Overseeing the procurement of agricultural inputs, equipment, and supplies.


• Implementing and monitoring best practices in land management, water conservation, and soil health.


• Ensuring compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, health, safety, and environmental standards.


• Managing the logistics of crop storage, transportation, and delivery to market or processing facilities.


• Implementing and leveraging agricultural technology to improve efficiency and data-driven decision-making.


• Conducting regular performance reviews and implementing improvement initiatives across all operational areas.


• Liaising with stakeholders, including suppliers, buyers, regulatory bodies, and senior management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Business Management, or a related field.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural operations management, with significant experience in managing large-scale farming operations.


• Proven track record of successfully managing budgets, optimizing resource allocation, and improving farm productivity.


• Strong understanding of crop cycles, soil science, pest management, and relevant agricultural technologies.


• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.


• Demonstrated ability to implement and drive operational improvements and efficiency gains.


• Knowledge of supply chain management and agricultural logistics.


• Experience with agricultural software and farm management systems.


• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.


• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel between farm sites in the Rustenburg area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement benefits.


• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and attendance at industry symposiums, are available.


• The company provides a stimulating work environment with access to modern agricultural technologies.


• This role offers significant responsibility and the chance to shape the future of agricultural operations in the North West region.


• Paid leave and other standard employment benefits are included.


• This is a key leadership role within a growing agricultural enterprise.