Farm Manager - Remote Oversight and Strategy

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Company vehicles for site visits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Farm Manager in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal to oversee diversified farming operations across multiple sites. The role blends remote strategic planning with on-site visits to ensure operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

You will lead crop and livestock activities, manage budgets, implement modern farming technologies, and drive safety and efficiency across all locations. Regular travel to farms is required, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of farm management experience with crop and/or livestock production.
• Experience managing budgets and optimizing operations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Familiar with modern agricultural tech and precision farming tools.
• Knowledge of South African agricultural practices and regulations.
• Willingness to travel to farm sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive farm management plans.
• Oversee planting, irrigation, pest control, harvesting, and livestock care.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resources.
• Lead, train, and motivate farm staff for safety and productivity.
• Monitor crop health and soil conditions; adjust strategies.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations and safety standards.
• Implement technology solutions for monitoring, data collection, reporting.
• Analyze farm performance data; generate regular reports for senior management.
• Build relationships with suppliers, customers, and stakeholders.
• Plan and manage capital expenditure for infrastructure and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Team management

Strategic planning

Agronomy knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Agronomy/Farm Management

Tools

Farm management software

Precision farming tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Farm Manager to oversee their agricultural operations, with a focus on strategic planning and remote management of multiple farm sites. This role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of remote strategic work and on-site visits to ensure operational excellence. You will be responsible for the overall management of farm activities, including crop cultivation, livestock management, resource allocation, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of modern farming techniques, and the ability to leverage technology for efficient oversight. You will work closely with on-site teams to implement best practices, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and drive continuous improvement. This position is critical in ensuring the profitability and sustainability of our client's agricultural ventures. Your role will be pivotal in shaping the operational strategies and fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation across all farm locations. You will be based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, with regular travel to farm sites required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive farm management plans, aligning with company objectives.


• Oversee day-to-day operations, including planting, irrigation, pest control, harvesting, and livestock care.


• Manage budgets, control costs, and ensure optimal resource utilization.


• Lead, train, and motivate farm staff, fostering a productive and safe working environment.


• Monitor crop health and soil conditions, implementing appropriate management strategies.


• Ensure compliance with all agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.


• Implement and oversee technology solutions for farm monitoring, data collection, and reporting.


• Analyze farm performance data and generate regular reports for senior management.


• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders.


• Plan and manage capital expenditure projects for farm infrastructure and equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in farm management, with a strong understanding of crop and/or livestock production.


• Proven experience in managing budgets and optimizing operational efficiency.


• Strong leadership and team management skills.


• Familiarity with modern agricultural technologies, including farm management software and precision farming tools.


• Excellent understanding of South African agricultural practices and regulations.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.


• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly to farm sites.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives. Employees benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan, a retirement fund contribution, and ample paid time off. Opportunities for professional development and further training are provided. This hybrid role allows for flexibility, balancing remote strategic work with essential on-site engagement. You will be part of a growing organization with a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovation. Access to company vehicles for site visits will be provided. We foster a supportive work environment that values employee contribution and growth. This position offers a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on our client's agricultural success.