FARM MANAGER

Farm Manager SA; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company is seeking a Farm Manager in Cape Town to oversee farm operations, including orchards and livestock management. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience, preferably with stone fruit or citrus, and must be fluent in English and Afrikaans. Responsibilities include managing farm security, ensuring health and safety compliance, and maintaining detailed digital records. Accommodation is provided as this is a live-in position.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Live-in position

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in farm management or similar.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
• Strong knowledge of modern farming practices.

Responsibilities

• Grow and manage farm orchards and oversee irrigation.
• Manage livestock and maintain farm security.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

People management

Agricultural knowledge

Project management

Financial management

Technology use

Bilingual (English and Afrikaans)

Education

Relevant agricultural qualification

Tools

Farm equipment

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Experience as farm manager of a commercial farm or management experience in managing people / projects / division in an agricultural farming environment.
• Relevant agricultural qualification with horticulture an advantage.
• At least 5 years stone fruit or citrus experience.
• Proven experience in people management and development.
• Administrative skills with good computer fluency.
• Extensive knowledge of modern farming practices which should include orchard establishment, pruning, tree manipulation, irrigation etc.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

Grow and manage the farm orchards in terms of irrigation, Fertigation, herbicides and pesticides. Objectives include increasing tree health and yield.

Manage the Nguni stud and all aspects related to cattle such as pastures for high intensity grazing, cattle health and commerce, which includes transport of cattle at point of sale.

Farm security such as maintenance of perimeter fences, road infrastructure and accountability for security company duties and liaison.

Managing farm irrigation and water structure such as pipes, pumps and filters.

The farm is digitised - must be able to keep detailed digital records, schedule irrigation and monitor trends. Must be comfortable using technology and doing reporting.

Monitoring and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.

Financial and cost management - operate within a defined budget and targets.

Manage and develop relationship with key farm partners, such as irrigation, electrical, crop, scientists, fertilization, chemical, plumbing etc.

Manage the live-in on farm workers as well as able to plan, contract and manage contract labour teams in line with best practice for seasonal work as and when required e.g. picking, pruning etc.

Able to manage the olive oil production for olive oil pressing, as well as the oil factory storage, oil and fruit sales.

Vehicle will be available for on-farm work. Must have a valid drivers permit for car, code 10 truck and be able and willing to drive the farm tractor / equipment when needed.

Excellent project management and people skills, able to work across diverse cultures and expertise.

Effective management of the total human resources component. All relevant labour legislation & best labour practices.

Accountable for Health and Safety specific to farming environment.

Self-starter that is able to work independently and without supervision. Must be able to work proactively and autonomous. Farm manager will be required to set the daily / weekly / monthly work schedules for the farm, as well as manage its outcomes.

Strong attention to detail, and proven track record of record keeping and make data informed decisions.

Must be passionate about farming, willing and able to learn and not be afraid to "get hands dirty" in ensuring successful outcomes.

Nonsmoker, in good health without medical restrictions.

No criminal record.

Adherence to and management in line with farm rules, policies and procedures.

Must have contactable references.

This is a live-in farm job with oversight of the farm 24 / 7 - accommodation will be provided accordingly for duration of employment on the farm.

ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted