Farm Manager - Large-Scale Maize and Livestock Operation

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on or near farm

Professional development support

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent agricultural enterprise in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to find an experienced Farm Manager. You will oversee maize production, livestock operations, and all farm activities, while leading staff and ensuring profitability.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong knowledge of crop and animal husbandry, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive farm management experience in large-scale maize and livestock.
• Experience with farm machinery, irrigation systems, and equipment.
• Staff supervision, leadership, and resource management skills.
• Knowledge of crop science, animal husbandry, soil science, and IPM.
• Experience with budgeting and cost analysis.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with farm management software and office tools.
• Willingness to work long hours including weekends; valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal agricultural context.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual farming plans for large-scale maize production.
• Oversee day-to-day livestock management and welfare.
• Manage all farm machinery, irrigation, and infrastructure.
• Supervise and train farm staff ensuring safety.
• Monitor crop growth and livestock health using data.
• Implement soil conservation, water management, sustainability.
• Manage farm finances: budgeting, costs, records.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental regs.
• Source inputs and manage inventory.
• Report farm performance to senior management.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Resource management

Crop science

Animal husbandry

Soil science

Pest management

Budgeting

Data analysis

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural enterprise in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is looking for a highly experienced and results-oriented Farm Manager to oversee its extensive maize cultivation and livestock operations. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of both crop and animal husbandry, coupled with strong leadership and operational management skills. The Farm Manager will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring all farming activities to ensure optimal productivity, efficiency, and profitability. This includes managing resources, supervising staff, implementing best practices in cultivation and animal care, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The position requires hands-on involvement and a deep commitment to sustainable agricultural practices within the vibrant KwaZulu-Natal landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual farming plans for large-scale maize production, including planting, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of livestock operations, ensuring animal welfare, health, and productivity.
• Manage all farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure, ensuring they are maintained in excellent working condition.
• Supervise and train farm staff, fostering a productive and safe working environment.
• Monitor crop growth and livestock health, using data to make informed decisions and adjustments.
• Implement and enforce best practices for soil conservation, water management, and environmental sustainability.
• Manage farm finances, including budgeting, cost control, and record-keeping.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Source inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and feed, and manage inventory effectively.
• Report regularly on farm performance to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in farm management, with a strong focus on large-scale crop (especially maize) and livestock operations.
• Proven experience in managing farm machinery, irrigation systems, and other agricultural equipment.
• Demonstrated ability in staff supervision, team leadership, and resource management.
• Strong knowledge of crop science, animal husbandry, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Experience with farm financial management, budgeting, and cost analysis.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in using farm management software and standard office applications.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to work long hours, including weekends, during peak seasons.
• Knowledge of the agricultural challenges and opportunities specific to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary of R per annum, supplemented by performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This role provides an opportunity to manage significant agricultural operations in a key region of South Africa , with ample scope for professional growth.
• Accommodation on or near the farm may be provided.
• Support for ongoing professional development and training is also included.