Farm Business Manager

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Farm Business Manager for a major agricultural operation in Upington, Northern Cape. You will oversee strategic planning, financial management, and overall farm performance, driving profitability and sustainable growth across crops, livestock, and land use.

Responsibilities include budgeting, market analysis, staff leadership, compliance, and stakeholder relations. A Bachelor’s/Master’s in a relevant field and 8+ years of management experience are required, with a valid

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in farm management or agribusiness leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural production systems, crop science, and livestock management relevant to the Northern Cape.
• Proven financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong leadership, team management, and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard business productivity tools.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and operational challenges.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• A valid driver's license is essential for overseeing operations across the farm.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive business plans, financial strategies, and operational budgets for the farm.
• Oversee all aspects of farm operations, including crop production, livestock management, and land utilization, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
• Manage financial resources, including budgeting, cash flow, expense control, and investment analysis.
• Monitor market trends, identify opportunities for growth, and develop strategies to enhance market competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental legislation.
• Lead, mentor, and manage farm staff, fostering a productive and safe working environment.
• Oversee the acquisition and maintenance of farm equipment, infrastructure, and supplies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies.
• Implement and manage farm management information systems to track performance, analyze data, and support decision-making.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in all aspects of the farm business operations in the Upington area.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Strategic planning

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agriculture / Agribusiness / Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a substantial agricultural operation with diverse interests in the Upington, Northern Cape region, is seeking a highly competent Farm Business Manager. This leadership role is responsible for the overall strategic planning, financial management, operational oversight, and performance of the farm business. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of agricultural knowledge, financial acumen, and proven management experience, capable of driving profitability and sustainability in a challenging environment. This is a comprehensive management position that offers the opportunity to shape the future of a significant agricultural enterprise in the Northern Cape . We are dedicated to achieving excellence in agricultural business management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive business plans, financial strategies, and operational budgets for the farm.
• Oversee all aspects of farm operations, including crop production, livestock management, and land utilization, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
• Manage financial resources, including budgeting, cash flow, expense control, and investment analysis.
• Monitor market trends, identify opportunities for growth, and develop strategies to enhance market competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental legislation.
• Lead, mentor, and manage farm staff, fostering a productive and safe working environment.
• Oversee the acquisition and maintenance of farm equipment, infrastructure, and supplies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies.
• Implement and manage farm management information systems to track performance, analyze data, and support decision-making.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in all aspects of the farm business operations in the Upington area.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in farm management or agribusiness leadership, with a strong track record of financial performance.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural production systems, crop science, and livestock management relevant to the Northern Cape .
• Proven financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong leadership, team management, and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard business productivity tools.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and operational challenges.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• A valid driver's license is essential for overseeing operations across the farm.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package and performance-based bonuses, reflecting the senior nature of this role. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• This position presents a significant career opportunity to lead and grow a prominent agricultural business in the Upington region.
• Opportunities for further professional development and strategic training will be supported.
• The role is based on-site, providing direct oversight and engagement with the farm operations.
• Our client values experienced leadership and offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment. You will be instrumental in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the business. We foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.