Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Commercial Agriculture

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Generous leave

Accommodation may be provided

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Farm Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of a large agricultural estate near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead planting, irrigation, harvest, and safety programs while optimizing yields and resource use.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Agriculture or related field, 10+ years in farm management with supervisory experience, strong budgeting and leadership skills, and proven ability to manage a diverse workforce and machinery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field.
• 10+ years in farm management with supervisory experience.
• Experience managing large-scale commercial farming operations, preferably in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soil management, irrigation, and pest control.
• Budgeting, financial management, and operational planning experience.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all day-to-day farming activities, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting.
• Manage a team of farm workers, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Develop and implement operational plans and budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation and cost control.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Monitor crop health and progress, implementing necessary interventions to maximize yield and quality.
• Ensure compliance with all agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and health and safety protocols.
• Manage inventory of supplies, seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
• Implement and maintain best practices in soil conservation, water management, and sustainable farming methods.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management, highlighting key performance indicators, challenges, and opportunities.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgeting

Farm operations

Irrigation systems

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented Farm Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of their extensive agricultural estate located near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role demands a comprehensive understanding of modern farming techniques, efficient resource management, and strong leadership capabilities. The Farm Operations Manager will be responsible for maximizing crop yields, managing a diverse workforce, ensuring the optimal use of machinery and resources, and maintaining high standards of operational efficiency and safety. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced agricultural professional to take on significant responsibility within a leading agricultural enterprise in the Durban region. You will play a key role in driving productivity and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all day-to-day farming activities, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting.
• Manage a team of farm workers, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Develop and implement operational plans and budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation and cost control.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Monitor crop health and progress, implementing necessary interventions to maximize yield and quality.
• Ensure compliance with all agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and health and safety protocols.
• Manage inventory of supplies, seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
• Implement and maintain best practices in soil conservation, water management, and sustainable farming methods.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management, highlighting key performance indicators, challenges, and opportunities.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in farm management, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing large-scale commercial farming operations, preferably in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Strong knowledge of crop production cycles, soil management, pest and disease control, and irrigation systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a large workforce effectively.
• Proficiency in farm budgeting, financial management, and operational planning.
• Experience with agricultural machinery operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations in agriculture.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package, including a performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are part of the benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training in farm management and agricultural technologies are available.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave benefits are included.
• Accommodation may be provided or subsidized for this role.
• This is a fantastic opportunity to lead operations in a significant agricultural hub near Durban.