Farm Manager - Large Scale Horticulture

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Farm accommodation

Company vehicle

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Farm Manager to oversee a substantial horticultural operation in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role entails planning crops, leading farmhands, managing inputs, and ensuring performance against targets with a focus on sustainable practices.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of practical farm management experience, strong leadership, and a solid grasp of irrigation, pest control, and budgeting within agriculture.

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• 7+ years of practical experience in farm management, with a focus on horticulture.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams and complex operations.
• Solid understanding of crop physiology, soil management, irrigation techniques, and pest/disease control.
• Experience with financial management, budgeting, and cost control in an agricultural setting.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to reside in proximity to Tembisa.
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices and high-quality produce.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual crop production plans, including planting schedules, irrigation strategies, and harvesting operations.
• Supervise and manage a team of farmworkers, providing training, motivation, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the procurement and efficient use of farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment.
• Implement and maintain pest and disease control programs to ensure crop health and yield optimization.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure adequate water supply while adhering to water conservation principles.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations on the farm.
• Monitor crop development, yield, and quality, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain accurate farm records, including production data, financial expenses, and inventory.
• Plan and manage equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure operational readiness.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment for all farm staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Decision making

Farm management software

Office applications

Education

Degree in Horticulture/Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Office applications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and experienced Farm Manager to oversee a significant horticultural operation in Tembisa , Gauteng . This role is critical for ensuring the efficient and profitable production of high-quality crops. The Farm Manager will be responsible for all aspects of daily farm operations, including crop planning, labor management, resource allocation, and maintaining high standards of productivity and quality control. This is a hands-on position that requires strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of horticultural practices. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of successfully managing large-scale agricultural ventures and a passion for cultivating excellence. You will work closely with a team of farmhands and supervisors to achieve ambitious production targets and uphold the company's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices within the Gauteng region. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on a growing agricultural enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual crop production plans, including planting schedules, irrigation strategies, and harvesting operations.
• Supervise and manage a team of farmworkers, providing training, motivation, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the procurement and efficient use of farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment.
• Implement and maintain pest and disease control programs to ensure crop health and yield optimization.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure adequate water supply while adhering to water conservation principles.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations on the farm.
• Monitor crop development, yield, and quality, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain accurate farm records, including production data, financial expenses, and inventory.
• Plan and manage equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure operational readiness.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment for all farm staff.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of practical experience in farm management, with a focus on horticulture.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams and complex operations.
• Solid understanding of crop physiology, soil management, irrigation techniques, and pest/disease control.
• Experience with financial management, budgeting, and cost control in an agricultural setting.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to reside in proximity to Tembisa .
• Commitment to sustainable farming practices and high-quality produce.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a substantial base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund. The position includes access to farm accommodation and a company vehicle for work purposes. Opportunities for further professional development and advanced training in agricultural management are provided. Join a reputable organization that values its employees and invests in their long-term success in the vibrant agricultural landscape of South Africa .