Farm Manager - Large Scale Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance or on-site housing

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Opportunities for professional develop

Paid annual leave

Company vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Farm Manager to oversee expansive agricultural operations in Upington, Northern Cape. The role requires strong agronomic knowledge, leadership, and hands-on management of planting, care, irrigation, harvesting, and labor.

You will implement sustainable practices, monitor soil health, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards on-site. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in farm management, robust crop knowledge, and proficiency with farm

Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in farm management, preferably in large-scale agricultural operations.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soil science, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and specific crops of the Northern Cape is highly advantageous.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day farming operations, including crop planning, planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
• Supervise and direct farm labor, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and safely.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Monitor crop health, identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Implement and promote best practices in soil management and nutrient application.
• Maintain farm equipment and machinery in good working order.
• Manage farm inventory, including seeds, fertilizers, and other supplies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, production, expenses, and yields.
• Contribute to the development of annual operating budgets and financial forecasts.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Agronomy knowledge

Irrigation management

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural producer, is seeking a highly competent and experienced Farm Manager to oversee expansive operations in the fertile region of Upington, Northern Cape, ZA. This role is critical for ensuring the efficient and profitable cultivation of crops, requiring strong leadership, extensive agronomic knowledge, and hands-on operational management skills. The successful candidate will be responsible for all facets of farm operations, including planning, planting, crop care, pest and disease management, irrigation, harvesting, and labor management. You will be instrumental in implementing best practices in sustainable agriculture to maximize yield and quality while minimizing environmental impact. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of local soil types, climate conditions, and crop specificities relevant to the Northern Cape. This is an on-site position demanding a commitment to the farm and its people, ensuring the smooth and successful running of large-scale agricultural activities. You will be empowered to make key operational decisions and drive productivity in a vital agricultural hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day farming operations, including crop planning, planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
• Supervise and direct farm labor, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and safely.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Monitor crop health, identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Implement and promote best practices in soil management and nutrient application.
• Maintain farm equipment and machinery in good working order.
• Manage farm inventory, including seeds, fertilizers, and other supplies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, production, expenses, and yields.
• Contribute to the development of annual operating budgets and financial forecasts.

Requirements

• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in farm management, preferably in large-scale agricultural operations.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soil science, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in farm management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and specific crops of the Northern Cape is highly advantageous.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Housing allowance or on-site accommodation provided.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Work in a key agricultural region known for its productivity.
• Company vehicle for farm-related travel.