Farm Manager (Horticulture Focus)

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Housing on-farm

Professional development

Generous leave

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Farm Manager with a strong horticultural focus. Oversee all farming activities, optimize crop cultivation and yield, lead teams, and implement sustainable practices to improve efficiency and profitability.

The role requires strategic planning, crop cycle management, irrigation control, pest/disease management, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in farm management, with a significant focus on horticulture.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale horticultural operations and diverse crop types.
• Strong knowledge of plant science, soil management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Experience in supervising and leading farm teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily farm operations, focusing on horticultural crop production.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for planting, cultivation, pest control, and harvesting.
• Oversee resource management, including labor, machinery, water, and inputs, to ensure efficient utilization.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate farm staff, ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Monitor crop health and growth, implementing timely interventions to maximize yield and quality.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water delivery for different crops.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies using sustainable methods.
• Maintain farm equipment and infrastructure, coordinating necessary repairs and upkeep.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and food safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, yields, expenses, and inventory.

Skills

Plant science

Soil management

Irrigation

Pest and disease control

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Agronomy/Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant agricultural producer with operations in the fertile region of Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and results-driven Farm Manager with a strong horticultural focus. This role requires comprehensive oversight of all farming activities, with an emphasis on optimizing the cultivation and yield of a diverse range of horticultural crops. The Farm Manager will be responsible for strategic planning, operational execution, resource management, and team leadership to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability. You will play a vital role in implementing advanced horticultural techniques, managing crop cycles, controlling pests and diseases, and ensuring the highest quality of produce. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of horticultural science, practical farm management experience, and a commitment to sustainable agriculture. This is an exciting opportunity to lead operations in the beautiful Paarl, Western Cape , a region renowned for its agricultural productivity. We are looking for a dedicated professional eager to drive excellence in horticultural farming and contribute to the success of a dynamic agricultural enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily farm operations, focusing on horticultural crop production.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for planting, cultivation, pest control, and harvesting.
• Oversee resource management, including labor, machinery, water, and inputs, to ensure efficient utilization.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate farm staff, ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Monitor crop health and growth, implementing timely interventions to maximize yield and quality.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water delivery for different crops.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies using sustainable methods.
• Maintain farm equipment and infrastructure, coordinating necessary repairs and upkeep.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and food safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, yields, expenses, and inventory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in farm management, with a significant focus on horticulture.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale horticultural operations and diverse crop types.
• Strong knowledge of plant science, soil management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Experience in supervising and leading farm teams effectively.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work in field conditions across the Paarl, Western Cape area.
• Commitment to sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Housing allowance or on-farm accommodation may be provided.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A supportive work environment within a well-established agricultural company.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Chance to work in a beautiful and productive agricultural region.