Agricultural Operations Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Leadership role

Exposure to modern technologies

Professional development

Contribution to food security

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agricultural Operations Manager to oversee diverse farming operations in the Sandton region and surrounding areas. The role combines on-site leadership with remote administrative duties in a hybrid arrangement, focusing on crop production, resource allocation, and profitability.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in agricultural operations or farm management, strong leadership, and proficiency with farm management software and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years in agricultural operations or farm management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency with farm management software and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to optimize farm productivity and profitability.
• Oversee crop cultivation: planning, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, harvesting.
• Manage land, water, equipment, and labor for efficient use of resources.
• Supervise and mentor staff, promoting safety and continuous improvement.
• Monitor budgets, control costs, and track financial performance against targets.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and agricultural regulations.
• Maintain records of activities, yields, expenses, and inventories.
• Collaborate with agronomists, suppliers, and stakeholders to improve efficiency.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies and practices to optimize operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Financial planning

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / Agronomy / Agribusiness

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the agricultural sector, is seeking an experienced and highly capable Agricultural Operations Manager to oversee their diverse farming operations in the Sandton region and surrounding areas. This role offers a hybrid work model, blending essential on-site management with remote administrative duties. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of crop production, farm management, resource allocation, and team leadership. You will be responsible for ensuring the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of the farm, managing everything from planting and cultivation to harvesting and distribution. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, a strong grasp of financial management, and the ability to motivate and guide a large workforce. Your leadership will be crucial in driving operational excellence and implementing innovative agricultural practices to meet market demands and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to optimize farm productivity and profitability.
• Oversee all aspects of crop cultivation, including planning, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Manage farm resources, including land, water, equipment, and labor, ensuring efficient utilization.
• Supervise, train, and mentor farm staff, fostering a culture of safety, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Implement and monitor best practices in farm management, including crop rotation, soil health management, and sustainable farming techniques.
• Manage farm budgets, control costs, and track financial performance against targets.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and agricultural regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, production yields, expenses, and inventories.
• Collaborate with agronomists, suppliers, and other stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies and practices to improve farm operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agribusiness, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in agricultural operations management or farm management.
• In-depth knowledge of crop production cycles, agricultural technologies, and best farming practices.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software, financial planning, and data analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with managing budgets and controlling operational costs.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site and remote (hybrid) settings.
• Knowledge of agricultural regulations and compliance standards.
• Adaptability and resilience in managing dynamic agricultural environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunity to lead significant agricultural operations in the Sandton area.
• Exposure to modern agricultural technologies and sustainable practices.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Contribution to the agricultural supply chain and food security.