Farm Operations Manager - High-Yield Crop Production

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Health insurance

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Modern farming equipment

Job summary

Placements24 is looking for an experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee daily farm activities, optimize crop production, and ensure sustainable practices within a hybrid work setup. You will manage a diverse workforce and coordinate with procurement and sales to align production with market needs.

The role requires a strong background in modern farming techniques, crop management, and data-driven decision making, along with hands-on experience with farm machinery and software tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in farm management or agricultural operations, preferably in large-scale crop production.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse workforce and foster a positive team culture.
• Strong knowledge of modern farming techniques, crop management, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Experience with farm machinery operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Proficiency in using farm management software and data analysis tools for reporting and decision-making.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with hybrid work environments and effective remote collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all daily farm operations, including land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Lead a team of farm workers, providing training, setting performance standards, and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Develop and implement operational plans and schedules to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Oversee maintenance and efficient use of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Manage inventory of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm supplies, ensuring timely procurement and optimal utilization.
• Monitor crop health and growth, identifying issues and implementing corrective actions promptly.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental best practices.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and implement efficiency-enhancing strategies.
• Collaborate with procurement and sales teams to align production with market demands and supply chain requirements.
• Contribute to budgeting and financial management of the farm operations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Crop management

Pest control

Operations planning

Remote collaboration tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related field

Tools

Farm management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly expanding agricultural enterprise focused on optimizing large-scale crop production in the Tembisa region. They are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee and enhance their daily farming activities. This role demands a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of managing diverse teams and resources to achieve peak operational efficiency and maximize yields. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of modern agricultural techniques, supply chain logistics, and resource management. This position offers a hybrid work model, combining essential on-site supervision with flexible remote planning and administrative duties. You will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the farm, from planting to harvest, and in implementing best practices for quality control and sustainability. This is an exciting opportunity to lead significant operations within a dynamic agricultural business.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all daily farm operations, including land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
• Manage and lead a team of farm workers, providing training, setting performance standards, and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Develop and implement operational plans and schedules to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Oversee the maintenance and efficient use of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Manage inventory of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm supplies, ensuring timely procurement and optimal utilization.
• Monitor crop health and growth, identifying potential issues and implementing corrective actions promptly.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, safety standards, and environmental best practices.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and implement efficiency-enhancing strategies.
• Collaborate with the procurement and sales teams to align production with market demands and supply chain requirements.
• Contribute to budgeting and financial management of the farm operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management or agricultural operations, preferably in large-scale crop production.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse workforce and foster a positive team culture.
• Strong knowledge of modern farming techniques, crop management, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Experience with farm machinery operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Proficiency in using farm management software and data analysis tools for reporting and decision-making.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with hybrid work environments and effective remote collaboration tools.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the farm and to regional offices as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between on-site and remote work.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Access to modern farming equipment and technologies.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment within a growing company.