Farm Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on-site

Modern farming machinery and tech

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to oversee operations at an estate in Pietermaritzburg. You will lead crop production, livestock care, and resource planning, driving profitability and sustainable farming practices.

The role requires coordinating a team of farmhands, implementing irrigation and soil management strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance while shaping long-term farm development.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in farm management or agricultural operations.
• Proven experience in managing diverse crops and/or livestock, specific to KwaZulu-Natal climate and soil conditions.
• Strong understanding of irrigation techniques, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in farm management software and basic accounting principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for crop rotation, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation systems.
• Supervise, train, and manage farm staff, ensuring efficient task delegation and adherence to safety protocols.
• Oversee the care and health of livestock, including feeding, breeding, and veterinary management.
• Manage farm equipment maintenance, repair, and operational efficiency, ensuring optimal use of resources.
• Monitor market trends and economic factors to optimize crop selection and sales strategies.
• Maintain detailed records of planting, harvesting, yields, livestock health, and financial expenditures.

Skills

Leadership

Staff training

Communication

Problem solving

Strategic planning

Agronomy knowledge

Education

Degree or diploma in Agriculture/Agronomy

Tools

Farm management software

Basic accounting

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dedicated Farm Manager to oversee operations on their agricultural estate located in Pietermaritzburg . This critical role involves managing all aspects of crop production, livestock care, and resource allocation to ensure optimal yield and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of modern agricultural practices, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to sustainable farming. You will be responsible for a team of farmhands and will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day success and long-term strategic planning of the farm, contributing to the company's mission of producing high-quality agricultural products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for crop rotation, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation systems.
• Supervise, train, and manage farm staff, ensuring efficient task delegation and adherence to safety protocols.
• Oversee the care and health of livestock, including feeding, breeding, and veterinary management.
• Manage farm equipment maintenance, repair, and operational efficiency, ensuring optimal use of resources.
• Monitor market trends and economic factors to optimize crop selection and sales strategies.
• Maintain detailed records of planting, harvesting, yields, livestock health, and financial expenditures.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in farm management or agricultural operations.
• Proven experience in managing diverse crops and/or livestock, specific to the KwaZulu-Natal region's climate and soil conditions.
• Strong understanding of irrigation techniques, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in farm management software and basic accounting principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Accommodation on-site may be provided.
• Access to modern farm machinery and technology.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training in agricultural sciences.
• A dynamic work environment focused on growth and efficiency within a vital industry.