Agricultural Operations Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks an Agricultural Operations Manager to lead large-scale farming, optimize crop production, and drive efficiency and profitability across all farm operations.

You will manage land, water, equipment and labor, mentor the operations team, implement best practices in agronomy and irrigation, and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or Farm Management.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in large-scale agricultural operations.
• Strong leadership and budgeting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational plans for crop production and management.
• Lead resources including land, water, equipment, and labor to maximize efficiency.
• Oversee budgeting, cost control, and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Agricultural Operations Manager to lead and optimize the extensive farming activities in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This senior role requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage large-scale agricultural production, drive efficiency, and ensure profitability. You will be responsible for overseeing all facets of farm operations, including crop planning, resource management, team leadership, and adherence to sustainable practices. This is a key position for an individual passionate about agriculture and committed to excellence in operational management within the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational plans for crop production and management.
• Manage all farm resources, including land, water, equipment, and labor, to maximize efficiency and productivity.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the farm operations team, fostering a culture of high performance and safety.
• Oversee the implementation of best practices in agronomy, pest control, and irrigation.
• Manage the farm budget, monitor financial performance, and implement cost-saving measures.
• Ensure compliance with all agricultural, environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Maintain and upgrade farm infrastructure and machinery.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Liaise with suppliers, service providers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in agricultural operations management, with a strong track record in large-scale farming.
• Proven expertise in crop production, farm planning, and resource optimization.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate diverse teams.
• Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control in an agricultural context.
• Knowledge of relevant agricultural technologies, machinery, and sustainable farming practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel within Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package commensurate with the seniority of the role and the candidate's experience. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a provident fund, and substantial paid time off. Opportunities for career advancement and professional development are significant within this growing organization. This role provides a chance to lead critical operations in a vibrant agricultural hub within Gauteng.