Farm Operations Manager - Irrigation & Mechanization

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Presencial; ZAR 600.000 - 900.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement annuity fund

Performance-based incentives

Professional development opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Farm Operations Manager for a large agricultural producer based in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will oversee irrigation, machinery maintenance, and field operations to ensure smooth, productive farm activity.

The role requires 7+ years in farm operations with a focus on mechanization, leadership of a technical team, preventive maintenance, and cost control on site.

Formación

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in farm operations management, with a strong focus on mechanization and irrigation.
• Proven experience managing large fleets of agricultural machinery and complex irrigation systems.
• In-depth knowledge of various types of farm equipment and their maintenance requirements.
• Understanding of irrigation principles, water management, and relevant technologies.
• Experience in leading and managing technical teams.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using farm management software for tracking equipment and operations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to seasonal demands.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work on-site in the Northern Cape.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of all farm machinery, including tractors, harvesters, planters, and sprayers.
• Manage the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of large-scale irrigation systems.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure the efficient deployment of machinery and irrigation resources to meet cropping program demands.
• Manage a team of mechanics, technicians, and operators, providing training and supervision.
• Oversee the procurement, inventory, and cost management of spare parts and consumables.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and implement solutions to minimize operational disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations related to machinery operation and farm practices.
• Monitor water usage and irrigation efficiency, implementing strategies for conservation.
• Collaborate with crop production managers to align operational support with farming objectives.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, fuel consumption, and operational costs.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Organizational skills

Planning

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Educación

Diploma in Agricultural Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Herramientas

Farm management software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a large agricultural producer operating extensive farmland, is seeking a skilled Farm Operations Manager to lead their critical functions related to irrigation and mechanization. This vital role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape . The successful candidate will be responsible for the efficient management, maintenance, and deployment of all farm machinery and irrigation infrastructure across the operation. This position requires a deep understanding of agricultural equipment, modern irrigation technologies, and operational logistics. You will play a key role in ensuring the farm runs smoothly and productively, minimizing downtime and maximizing resource utilization. This is an on-site position requiring direct supervision and management of field operations and personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of all farm machinery, including tractors, harvesters, planters, and sprayers.
• Manage the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of large-scale irrigation systems.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure the efficient deployment of machinery and irrigation resources to meet cropping program demands.
• Manage a team of mechanics, technicians, and operators, providing training and supervision.
• Oversee the procurement, inventory, and cost management of spare parts and consumables.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and implement solutions to minimize operational disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations related to machinery operation and farm practices.
• Monitor water usage and irrigation efficiency, implementing strategies for conservation.
• Collaborate with crop production managers to align operational support with farming objectives.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, fuel consumption, and operational costs.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in farm operations management, with a strong focus on mechanization and irrigation.
• Proven experience managing large fleets of agricultural machinery and complex irrigation systems.
• In-depth knowledge of various types of farm equipment and their maintenance requirements.
• Understanding of irrigation principles, water management, and relevant technologies.
• Experience in leading and managing technical teams.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using farm management software for tracking equipment and operations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to seasonal demands.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work on-site in the Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with the level of experience and responsibility.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement annuity fund, and performance-based incentives.
• This role offers the opportunity to work with modern agricultural technology and manage significant operational assets.
• Employees benefit from a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development.
• The position provides direct impact on the operational efficiency and success of a major agricultural enterprise.