Farm Manager

Mayfly Agri; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfly Agri is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead greenhouse, net-house and open-field crop production, with a focus on fruit crops. You will manage scheduling, land prep, planting, growing and harvesting, and coordinate processing, packaging and delivery of produce.

The role requires 5+ years in farm management, knowledge of greenhouse operations, fertigation, IPM and equipment, plus strong leadership and budgeting skills. Willingness to relocate and valid passport are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field.
• GMP or greenhouse management certification is advantageous.
• 5+ years’ experience in farm management or related field.
• Experience in greenhouse operations and/or fruit production preferred.
• Knowledge of farm equipment and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage crop production in greenhouse, net-house, and open-field environments.
• Oversee crop scheduling, land preparation, planting, growing and harvesting.
• Coordinate processing and packing of produce and delivery to markets.
• Budgeting and costing of farm activities; manage inputs and inventory.
• Manage fertigation, hydroponics, and pest control (IPM).
• Monitor irrigation systems and post-harvest product management.
• Supervise staff including hiring, training, and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

IPM knowledge

Budget management

Farm management software

Irrigation systems

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture

Greenhouse management certification (GMP)

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture; certification in greenhouse management, such as the Greenhouse Management Professional (GMP) certification is highly advantageous
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in farm management or a related field
• Experience in managing greenhouse operations and/or fruit production is preferred
• Knowledge of farm equipment, including irrigation systems, tractors, and harvesters commonly used in the UAE
• Knowledge of greenhouse equipment, fertigation especially hydroponics, lighting, cooling and irrigation systems is essential
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Must have knowledge of crop production and protection practices (IPM)
• Experience with budget management and financial analysis
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to agriculture
• Proficient in the use of technology and farm management software
• Must have a valid passport and be willing to relocate

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Managing crop production, especially fruit, in greenhouse, net-house, and open-field environments.
• Managing crop scheduling.
• Managing land preparation.
• Managing planting, growing, and harvesting.
• Managing the processing and packaging of all produce.
• Managing the delivery of all produce from the farm.
• Managing budgeting and costing of produce-related activities.
• Managing fertigation, including hydroponics, and monitoring crops produced in protected environments and open fields to ensure the efficient production of crops.
• Implementing pest control measures, including IPM.
• Managing irrigation systems.
• Overseeing product quality control and post-harvest product management.
• Conducting field scouting, crop rotation, and cover cropping.
• Supervising day-to-day time management and labour requirements.
• Planning and executing farm operations to ensure the efficient and profitable production of crops.
• Supervising and managing staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Developing and managing budgets for farm operations, including expenses related to labour, equipment, and supplies.
• Managing equipment maintenance and repairs, ensuring that all machinery is in good working order.
• Overseeing the purchase of supplies, including plant material, fertilisers, pesticides, and other inputs, and managing inventory to ensure adequate supply levels.
• Monitoring market conditions and making recommendations for crop rotation and other operational decisions.
• Coordinating with the Sales Department to ensure that crops are marketed and sold effectively.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements related to food safety, environmental regulations, and labour laws.
• Maintaining accurate records of farm operations, including crop yields, expenses, and revenues.
• Collaborating with other Farm Managers for development and experience sharing.
• Managing fruit tree crops, including papaya, banana, mango, and citrus, grown in greenhouses, net houses, and open fields.
• Staying up to date on best practices and emerging technologies in agriculture, such as new varieties, horticultural practices, and fertigation, and reporting on these developments.