Senior Agronomist West Rand

Dames Appointments; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the agricultural sector is seeking an experienced Agronomy Manager to enhance crop yield and quality through improved techniques and stakeholder engagement. The role involves supervising a team, overseeing field activities, and ensuring compliance with standards. Candidates should possess a BSc in agriculture and at least 5 years of relevant experience. Strong leadership, planning, and communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture or agronomy.
• Experience managing teams and working with agricultural retailers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Agronomists and Technicians.
• Oversee agronomical and technical field activities.
• Develop improvement plans and efficiency strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Data interpretation

Communication

Planning

Problem solving

Education

BSc in agriculture

Job description

Job Summary : Developing improved planting, cultivation, and operational techniques to enhance crop yield and quality, while addressing production department challenges.

Implementing strategies and maintaining operational outputs by engaging stakeholders and ensuring quality and execution standards are met.

Objectives of this role: Stewardship, facilitation, and leveraging existing relationships within the production sector—including farm managers, suppliers, procurement teams, management, and supply chain partners such as packhouse managers and sales teams—to promote sustainable practices, efficiency, and high-quality production.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Supervisory Responsibilities: Lead and manage a team of Agronomists and Technicians.
2. Oversee and coordinate agronomical and technical field activities across stakeholders (irrigation and farmers), providing technical support for the three farm locations (Tarlton, Bokpoort, and Christiana).
3. Perform tasks independently, making decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

Additional Duties / Responsibilities:

• Develop improvement plans and efficiency strategies to enhance yields and quality.
• Implement sustainable soil health and nutrient management practices.
• Analyze soil and leaf samples to inform crop decisions.
• Develop and maintain production schedules and fertilizer programs.
• Research agrochemical/biological products, seed varieties, and pest/disease control methods.
• Ensure compliance with Global GAP standards and internal/external policies.
• Support farm and senior production managers on nutrient and crop health practices.
• Develop agronomic performance reports to maintain standards.
• Facilitate training and meetings to develop knowledgeable operators in pest control and plant protection.
• Design and manage complex production schedules, ensuring deadlines and accountability.
• Manage budgets, negotiate with vendors, and meet financial targets.
• Conduct land performance and yield evaluations.

Qualifications:

• BSc in agriculture, agronomy, or related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Experience managing teams and working with agricultural retailers and sales agronomists.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and train industry professionals.
• Project management experience, including financial aspects.

Key Skills / Abilities:

• Leadership and team management.
• Planning, coordination, and organization.
• Data interpretation and communication to stakeholders.
• Applying scientific principles to decision-making.
• Reporting and data communication skills.
• Excellent written, spoken, and visual communication.
• Ability to work independently, think critically, and solve problems.
• Self-discipline and motivation.

Package & Remuneration: R45,000 - R65,000 per month, with a minimum of 5 years' experience required.

Additional Requirements: Willingness to travel, work outdoors, and in challenging conditions. Work hours are typically 7:00 – 17:00, with possible travel outside these hours.