CROPS AND MACHINERY MANAGER – FM2731

Farm Manager SA; Oos-Kaap; Sur place; ZAR 420 000 - 660 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Farm Manager SA in Cradock, Eastern Cape seeks a Crops and Machinery Manager to oversee the full production cycle—from soil preparation and planting to irrigation, crop protection, harvesting and post-harvest storage—for maize, lucerne, teff and more. The role combines hands-on field work with managing the farm workshop, vehicle fleet, input procurement, and a small team of staff.

It requires practical welding, diesel engine maintenance, record‑keeping, and the ability to operate modern

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial crop farming and machinery management.
• Proficient welding and general fabrication in a farm workshop; familiarity with power tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues on farm equipment before calling contractors.
• Hands-on servicing of diesel engines, John Deere tractors, and combine harvesters.
• Must be systematic with digital record-keeping and capable of working independently.
• Experience living in a rural farming community preferred.

Responsabilités

• Manage soil preparation, planting, irrigation, chemical/fertilizer application and harvest for maize, lucerne, teff and oats.
• Oversee input procurement and supplier coordination; manage delivery schedules.
• Supervise ~6 permanent staff plus temporary workers; implement daily checklists and safety protocols.
• Maintain and operate farm vehicles, tractors, trailers and implements; oversee workshop.
• Monitor water distribution and irrigation across 300+ hectare footprint.
• Assist with budgeting and cost control; coordinate crop deliveries to clients.

Connaissances

Crop farming

Machinery management

Workshop welding

Diesel engines servicing

Tractors & harvesters operation

Electrical knowledge

Record keeping / digital logs

Team leadership

Budgeting / cost control

Description du poste

Cradock Area, Eastern Cape Province – South Africa: This large commercial mixed farming enterprise is seeking a Crops and Machinery Manager to join the team.

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.

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

- 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

ONLY short‑listed candidates will be contacted