Farm Operations Director: Cattle, Macadamia & Crops

Farm Manager SA; Plettenberg Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA in Plettenberg Bay is seeking an experienced farm manager to take overall responsibility for a 750-hectare operation. You will manage cattle, horses, macadamia orchards and crop production, while ensuring budgets and performance targets are met.

The role requires strong leadership, practical farming skills and the ability to work with a Board to develop the business. Long-term commitment and hands-on management are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a substantial agricultural operation.
• Strong knowledge of livestock and crop production; cattle experience.
• Macadamia/orchard experience advantageous; horse/equestrian experience useful.
• Good financial discipline with ability to prepare and work to budgets, understand costs and interpret basic management information.
• Strong staff leadership, planning, record-keeping and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable working directly with a Board and taking responsibility for agreed targets and projects.
• An agricultural qualification is advantageous, but strong practical experience and demonstrated management capability will carry significant weight.
• A long-term mindset and genuine enthusiasm for developing a farming business that is still in its infancy.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation, productivity and presentation of the 750-hectare farm.
• Manage cattle operations, including grazing, breeding, animal health, handling, records and sales.
• Oversee the farm's horse and equestrian requirements, including grazing, care, facilities and coordination with relevant staff.
• Manage and develop macadamia orchards, including maintenance, inputs, irrigation, harvesting and contractor coordination.
• Plan and manage teff and other crop production, including planting, inputs, harvesting, yields and rotation.
• Prepare annual operating and capital budgets with the Board and accounting team; monitor actual performance against budget and explain variances.
• Maintain disciplined control over purchasing, fuel, feed, chemicals, labour, contractors, machinery and other farm costs. Manage, lead and develop farm staff and contractors, with clear accountability for work standards and productivity.
• Maintain farm infrastructure including roads, fencing, water systems, buildings, machinery and equipment.
• Maintain practical farm records and provide regular operational and financial reporting to the company.
• Identify and evaluate new agricultural opportunities and assist the Board in planning the farm's expansion and development.
• Maintain appropriate animal welfare, health and safety, environmental and regulatory standards.

Skills

Livestock management

Crop production

Budgeting

Staff leadership

Board interaction

Record-keeping

Problem-solving

Farm operations

Education

Agricultural qualification (advantage)

Job description

Farm Manager SA in Plettenberg Bay is seeking an experienced farm manager to take overall responsibility for a 750-hectare operation. You will manage cattle, horses, macadamia orchards and crop production, while ensuring budgets and performance targets are met.

The role requires strong leadership, practical farming skills and the ability to work with a Board to develop the business. Long-term commitment and hands-on management are essential.