CROPS AND MACHINERY MANAGER

Farm Manager SA; Cradock; Presencial; ZAR 350.000 - 550.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Farm Manager SA in Cradock, Eastern Cape, seeks an experienced farm manager to oversee crop production, machinery and workshop operations on a 300+ hectare farm. You will coordinate planting, irrigation, inputs, maintenance and staff, with emphasis on safety and records.

Role demands hands-on tractor, combine, and repairs experience, plus electrical troubleshooting. South African driver’s license is required; living in a rural farming community is expected.

Formación

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial crop farming and machinery management.
• Practical farm workshop competence including welding (arc/gas/CO2) and safe use of power tools.
• Proactive, self-reliant troubleshooting to fix issues on farm before contracting work.
• Hands-on servicing of diesel engines, John Deere tractors, combines and implements.
• Basic knowledge of rural electrical systems for minor troubleshooting.
• Experience operating heavy machinery, driving combine harvesters and TLBs.
• Ability to use smartphones and agricultural apps with structured record-keeping.
• Growing up on a commercial farm is advantageous; comfortable in rural community.
• Valid South African driver's license.

Responsabilidades

• Manage the full production cycle—from soil management, planting, irrigation scheduling to harvesting and post-harvest storage.
• Oversee end-to-end ordering for crop inputs; source quotes and coordinate with suppliers.
• Manage input stock control aligned with crop programs.
• Oversee pasture management and crop rotations with Livestock Manager.
• Direct maintenance, servicing, and operation of farm vehicles and implements; operate heavy machinery during harvest.
• Manage the farm workshop, tools, equipment, and infrastructure for safety and order.
• Oversee water distribution, pump checks, and routine upkeep of irrigation across 300+ hectares.
• Supervise ~6 permanent staff and manage temporary workers; implement daily checklists and safety protocols.
• Assist with input budgeting, financial planning, and operational cost control.
• Handle crop delivery logistics locally and coordinate with agricultural clients.

Conocimientos

Crop farming

Machinery maintenance

Welding

Electrical troubleshooting

Record-keeping

Digital/app usage

Team supervision

Problem solving

South African driver's license

Herramientas

John Deere tractors

Combine harvesters

Farm workshop tools

Descripción del empleo

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial crop farming and machinery management.
• Solid, practical competence in a farm workshop environment, including proficient welding (arc/gas/CO2), safe operation of angle grinders and small power tools, general fabrication, building, and structural repairs.
• A proactive, self-reliant approach to troubleshooting and fixing mechanical, structural, and operational issues on farm first before resorting to outside third-party contractors.
• Hands-on experience servicing diesel engines, John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, and implements.
• Basic practical knowledge of rural electrical systems for minor troubleshooting.
• Competent and experienced in operating heavy machinery, specifically driving combine harvesters and TLBs.
• Reasonable technical aptitude to use smartphones and agricultural apps, digital
• task lists, and record-keeping tools. Must be systematic and organized—capable of maintaining structured records and logs digitally or in writing.
• Growing up on a commercial farm is advantageous.
• Comfortable living in a rural farming community and engaging respectfully with local association structures.
• Valid South African driver's license

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Manage the full production cycle—from soil management & preparation, planting,
• irrigation scheduling, chemical/fertilizer application, and crop monitoring to harvesting and post-harvest storage—for maize, lucerne, teff, oats, etc.
• Manage the end-to-end ordering process for all crop inputs (seed, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.). Source quotes, coordinate with agricultural suppliers, manage delivery schedules, and
• oversee input stock control in alignment with the crop programs.
• Oversee pasture management and crop rotations in direct consultation with the Livestock Manager, ensuring seamless integration between crop and livestock enterprises.
• Direct the maintenance, servicing, and operation of all farm vehicles, John Deere tractors, trailers, and implements. Personally operate heavy machinery, including driving the combine harvester
• during harvest periods.
• Manage the farm workshop, ensuring all small tools, equipment, and general infrastructure are maintained, organized, and in safe working order.
• Oversee water distribution, irrigation scheduling, pump checks, and routine upkeep of water delivery systems across the 300+ hectare irrigation footprint.
• Supervise, schedule, and delegate tasks to the ~6 permanent farm employees in the
• crops team and manage additional temporary staff as required. Implement practical operational systems, daily checklists, and safety protocols.
• Assist with input budgeting, financial planning, and operational cost control.
• Manage crop delivery logistics (all local) & coordination with agricultural clients
• Handle basic on-farm electrical troubleshooting and minor electrical repairs
• (e.g., pumps, fencing, lighting, or housing electrics) alongside general maintenance.

ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted