Farm Operations Manager - Diversified Crops

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund contributions

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a senior farm operations manager in Gauteng to oversee all crop operations, irrigation, pest control and data reporting. You will lead farmhands, agronomists and machinery operators, ensuring best practices, safety standards, and cost efficiency.

The role requires a degree in Agriculture with 6+ years in large-scale crop operations, strong planning skills, and experience with modern irrigation technologies in the Tembisa region. Some remote work may be possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field; Master's preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive farm management experience.
• Strong IPM, soil science, and crop physiology knowledge.
• Experience with modern farm equipment and irrigation tech in the Tembisa region.
• Proven leadership and planning capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute all farm operations including crop selection and schedules.
• Manage irrigation, nutrient application, and pest/disease control programs.
• Supervise farmhands, agronomists, and machinery operators.
• Monitor weather and crop development to mitigate risks.
• Maintain records of yields, expenses and production data.

Skills

Farm management

Leadership

Data analysis

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Farm software

Irrigation tech

Machinery maintenance

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a progressive agricultural producer with extensive operations in Tembisa, Gauteng, focused on cultivating a diverse range of high-value crops.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning and execution of all farm operations, including crop selection, planting schedules, and resource allocation.
• Manage irrigation systems, nutrient application, and pest and disease control programs to optimize crop health and yield.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of farmhands, agronomists, and machinery operators, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Monitor weather patterns and crop development, making strategic decisions to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.
• Implement and enforce health and safety protocols across all farm activities.
• Manage farm equipment and machinery maintenance to ensure operational readiness.
• Maintain detailed records of farm activities, yields, expenses, and production data for reporting.
• Collaborate with the procurement team on the timely acquisition of seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations and environmental standards in Gauteng.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• At least 6 years of progressive experience in farm management, with a proven ability to manage large-scale diversified crop operations.
• Solid understanding of crop physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Experience with modern farm machinery and irrigation technologies relevant to the Tembisa region.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning capabilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments, with a portion of the role being remote.
• A commitment to sustainable and environmentally sound farming practices.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary package, a comprehensive benefits scheme including medical aid and pension fund contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a respected agricultural organization.
• You will have the autonomy to manage operations and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• The role also provides access to modern agricultural technologies and a collaborative work environment focused on innovation and sustainability in South Africa.