Farm Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Operations Manager for our client’s large Paarl farm in the Western Cape. You will oversee daily crop and livestock operations, lead the farm team, manage resources, and implement modern farming practices to maximise yield and profitability while complying with environmental and quality standards.

You will organise planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest control, and machinery maintenance, while controlling budgets, scheduling staff, and liaising with

Qualifications

• Five years of hands-on farm management experience, preferably in a viticulture or mixed farming environment.
• Experience in crop management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Livestock management experience is a strong advantage.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Familiarity with relevant agricultural legislation and sustainability practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and supervise day-to-day farm activities including crop cultivation, pest control, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Manage livestock operations including breeding, feeding, health monitoring, and welfare.
• Develop and implement farming strategies to optimize yields and quality.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Manage farm labor including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Control budgets, expenses, and ensure efficient resource use.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Monitor soil health and water resources, implement sustainable practices.
• Maintain accurate farm records and prepare operational reports.
• Liaise with suppliers, agronomists, and other professionals.

Skills

Farm management

Leadership

Planning

Problem solving

Education

Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable agricultural enterprise, is seeking an experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of their diverse farming activities in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and sustainable cultivation of crops and management of livestock, maximizing yield and profitability while adhering to best practices in agriculture. The Farm Operations Manager will be responsible for leading the farm team, managing resources, implementing modern farming techniques, and ensuring compliance with environmental and quality standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate agricultural professional to manage a significant operation in a prime agricultural region. You will be hands‑on, guiding the team through planting, harvesting, and general farm upkeep.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and supervise all day‑to‑day farm activities, including crop cultivation, pest control, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Manage livestock operations, including breeding, feeding, health monitoring, and welfare.
• Develop and implement farming strategies to optimize crop yields and quality.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Manage farm labor, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Control farm budgets, manage expenses, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Monitor soil health, water resources, and implement sustainable farming practices.
• Maintain accurate farm records and prepare operational reports.
• Liaise with suppliers, agronomists, and other agricultural professionals.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in farm management, preferably in a viticulture or mixed‑farming environment.
• Proven experience in crop management, irrigation systems, and pest/disease control.
• Experience in livestock management is a strong advantage.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of modern farming techniques and equipment operation.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Familiarity with relevant agricultural legislation and sustainability practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks when necessary.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape area and work on‑site.

Benefits

• competitive salary, housing assistance, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund, and opportunities for professional growth within the agricultural sector.

This role is based on our client's thriving farm in Paarl, Western Cape , offering a rewarding career in a beautiful setting. Join our client and cultivate success.