Farm Manager - Organic Produce (Horticulture)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Health insurance

Pension plan

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Farm Manager to lead our client's organic farming operations. You will oversee crop planning, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling, ensuring compliance with organic standards and certification processes.

The role balances field leadership with administration: manage field crews, optimize irrigation and soil fertility, monitor budgets, liaise with suppliers and cert bodies, and drive continuous improvement in quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in farm management with organic focus.
• In-depth knowledge of organic farming principles and certification processes.
• Experience with crops suitable for Western Cape region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual crop plans for organic markets.
• Oversee field operations: land prep, planting, irrigation, cultivation, pest management (organic).
• Manage and train farm workers; ensure safety protocols.
• Maintain records for inputs, treatments, and practices for certification.
• Monitor soil health, water use, and nutrient management.
• Oversee harvesting and post-harvest handling for quality.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Organic farming

Irrigation systems

Soil fertility

Budgeting

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's in Horticulture

Diploma in Agriculture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-quality organic produce, is seeking an experienced and passionate Farm Manager to oversee their operations near Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is crucial for managing all aspects of organic farming, from crop planning and cultivation to harvesting and post-harvest handling, ensuring adherence to stringent organic certification standards. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of organic horticultural practices, soil health management, integrated pest control, and sustainable resource utilization. You will lead a dedicated team, manage farm infrastructure, and ensure the consistent delivery of premium organic products to market. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture in a beautiful coastal region and play a key role in a company committed to environmental stewardship and healthy food production. We are looking for a hands-on leader with excellent organizational skills and a commitment to quality. The role involves a balance of field management and administrative duties, requiring a proactive and detail-oriented approach. This position is vital for maintaining our client's reputation for excellence in the organic market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual crop plans, selecting appropriate varieties for the region and organic market demands.
• Oversee all field operations, including land preparation, planting, irrigation, cultivation, and pest/disease management using organic methods.
• Manage and train a team of farm workers, ensuring efficient task allocation and adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintain rigorous standards for organic certification, including detailed record-keeping of all inputs, treatments, and practices.
• Monitor soil health, water usage, and nutrient management, implementing sustainable practices.
• Oversee harvesting operations to ensure optimal timing and quality, followed by appropriate post-harvest handling and storage.
• Manage farm equipment and infrastructure, ensuring they are in good working order and appropriately maintained.
• Control farm expenses and manage budgets effectively to ensure profitability.
• Liaise with suppliers, distributors, and certification bodies.
• Implement and enforce biosecurity measures and best practices for worker safety and food safety.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management, with a significant focus on organic production.
• In-depth knowledge of organic farming principles, regulations, and certification processes.
• Experience with a variety of horticultural crops suitable for the Western Cape region.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in irrigation systems, pest and disease identification/management (organic methods), and soil fertility management.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Computer literacy, including experience with farm management software and standard office applications.
• A valid driver's license is essential.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and high-quality food production.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Housing assistance or on-site accommodation options.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development in organic farming techniques.
• A stable role with a respected company in the organic sector.
• Access to beautiful coastal environments and a healthy lifestyle.