Crops And Machinery Manager

Farm Manager Sa; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 340,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA is seeking an experienced farm mechanic and supervisor to manage production cycles, maintenance, and input logistics across crop operations. The role demands practical expertise with tractors, combines, irrigation, and workshop tools, plus meticulous record-keeping in a rural farming setting.

Candidates should be comfortable working in a remote farm environment, coordinating with local associations, and driving farm vehicles as needed. A valid SA driver's license is essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on farming and machinery experience in a commercial crop operation.
• Welding and fabrication skills with safe workshop practice.
• Proactive fault finding and in-house repairs before external contractors.
• Experience servicing tractors, combines and related implements.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting and safe equipment handling.
• Ability to maintain structured records and logs, digitally or on paper.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full production cycle from soil prep to harvest and storage.
• Manage input orders, supplier quotes, delivery schedules and stock control.
• Coordinate pasture management and crop rotations with Livestock Manager.
• Direct maintenance and operation of farm vehicles and implements; drive harvesters during peak periods.
• Run the farm workshop and ensure tools and infrastructure are safe and organized.
• Supervise ~6 permanent staff and oversee temporary workers as needed.
• Assist with input budgeting, financial planning and cost control.
• Coordinate local crop delivery logistics with agricultural clients.
• Handle basic on-farm electrical tasks alongside general maintenance.

Skills

Welding

Diesel engines servicing

John Deere tractors

Combine harvester operation

Farm workshop maintenance

Record keeping

Electrical troubleshooting

Driver's license

Team supervision

Job description

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 organizedcapable 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