Farm Operations Manager for Large-Scale Produce Farm

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Relocation/Regional accessibility

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a seasoned Farm Operations Manager to oversee our client’s state-of-the-art farming activities near Pretoria, Gauteng. The role requires hands-on leadership of day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity and sustainability across crop production, irrigation, and mechanisation.

You will manage a diverse team, optimize resources, maintain compliance with health and safety standards, and contribute to strategic expansion plans in a dynamic agricultural

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in large-scale farm operations.
• Proven experience in leading farm workers and supervisors.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soils, irrigation, and pest control.
• Familiar with modern agricultural technology and equipment.
• Ability to work in field and office, Pretoria-based.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage daily farm operations including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Develop and implement operational plans and budgets to achieve targets and profitability.
• Oversee the management of farm labor including recruitment, training, scheduling and evaluation.
• Ensure efficient use of resources including water, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.
• Enforce health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures on the farm.
• Manage maintenance and operation of farm equipment and infrastructure.
• Monitor crop health and development with appropriate interventions.
• liaise with suppliers, contractors, and service providers for timely delivery.
• Maintain records of farm activities, production data and financial transactions.
• Contribute to strategic planning for farm expansion and diversification.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Budgeting

Problem solving

Precision agriculture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected and expansive agricultural enterprise, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee their state-of-the-art operations in the vicinity of Pretoria, Gauteng . This critical role involves the day-to-day management of all farming activities, ensuring optimal efficiency, productivity, and adherence to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in large-scale agricultural production, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of modern farming techniques, including precision agriculture and mechanization. You will be responsible for managing a diverse team, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on agricultural output in a key region of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all daily farm operations, including crop planting, cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Develop and implement operational plans and budgets to achieve farm production targets and profitability goals.
• Oversee the management of farm labor, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure the efficient use of resources, including water, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.
• Implement and enforce health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures on the farm.
• Manage the maintenance and operation of farm equipment and infrastructure.
• Monitor crop health and development, implementing appropriate interventions as needed.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Maintain accurate records of all farm activities, production data, and financial transactions.
• Contribute to strategic planning for farm expansion and diversification.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale agricultural operations.
• Proven experience in managing teams of farm workers and supervisors.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soil management, irrigation systems, and pest/disease control.
• Familiarity with modern agricultural technology and equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control operational costs.
• Understanding of South African agricultural regulations and best practices.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments, adapting to changing conditions in Pretoria .
• A valid driver's license is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical aid.
• A provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and provides a supportive environment for its employees.
• As this is a hybrid role, employees benefit from a structured work arrangement that balances on-site operational needs with potential remote administrative tasks.
• This position is based near Pretoria , offering access to a major economic hub and a thriving agricultural region.
• Our client is committed to sustainable farming practices and employee well-being.