Farm Manager - Commercial Vegetable Production

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Medical aid and retirement fund

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Exposure to modern horticultural pract

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a hands-on Farm Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of a commercial vegetable farm in Benoni, Gauteng. You will lead field teams, manage irrigation, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest handling while ensuring quality, safety, and profitability.

The ideal candidate holds a Diploma or Degree in Horticulture or Agriculture, with at least four years of farm management experience, strong knowledge of soil science and IPM, and proven leadership under pressure.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in farm management with focus on vegetables.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, and plant nutrition.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations for commercial vegetable production, including planning and harvesting.
• Manage irrigation systems for all crops.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Supervise and train farm laborers, ensuring productivity and safety.
• Procure and inventory seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Maintain farm machinery and equipment.
• Record crop yields, expenses, and farming activities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinate harvesting schedules and post-harvest handling and storage.
• Liaise with suppliers, buyers, and extension services.

Skills

Leadership

IPM knowledge

Irrigation management

Team management

Education

Diploma or Degree in Horticulture/Agriculture

Tools

Farm machinery operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established commercial farm specializing in high-value vegetable production, is seeking a skilled and hands-on Farm Manager to oversee operations in Benoni. This is a key on-site role responsible for ensuring the efficient and profitable cultivation of a diverse range of vegetables. You will manage all aspects of crop production, from land preparation and planting to pest control, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. This includes leading a team of farmworkers, managing resources effectively, and ensuring adherence to quality standards and safety protocols. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in horticulture, practical experience in managing vegetable crops, and excellent leadership capabilities. You will be instrumental in driving productivity, implementing best practices, and contributing to the farm's continued success. A deep understanding of soil science, plant nutrition, and integrated pest management is essential for this role. You will report to the farm owner and play a vital part in achieving production targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations related to commercial vegetable production, including planning, planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water supply for all crops.
• Implement and monitor integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Supervise, train, and motivate a team of farm laborers, ensuring productivity and adherence to work standards.
• Manage the procurement and inventory of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and operation of farm machinery and equipment.
• Maintain detailed records of crop yields, expenses, and farming activities.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations on the farm.
• Coordinate harvesting schedules and ensure efficient post-harvest handling and storage.
• Liaise with suppliers, buyers, and agricultural extension services.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in farm management, with a strong focus on vegetable production.
• Proven experience in managing specific vegetable crops relevant to the Gauteng region.
• Solid understanding of crop physiology, soil science, and plant nutrition.
• Proficiency in irrigation techniques and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines, especially during peak seasons.
• Basic knowledge of farm machinery operation and maintenance.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• On-site accommodation may be available.
• Medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunity to manage significant production operations.
• Exposure to modern horticultural practices.