Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Grain Production

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Substantial retirement annuity

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Farm Operations Manager to oversee large-scale grain production in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role demands strategic leadership, strong budgeting, and effective team management to drive productivity and sustainability.

You will direct planting to harvest cycles, optimize resources, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, contributing to profitability and growth for a leading agricultural enterprise in the region.

Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in farm management, with a focus on large-scale grain production.
• Experience in crop rotation, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting techniques common to the Free State.
• Experience managing sizeable budgets and capital expenditures.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise all grain cultivation activities from planting to harvesting.
• Manage farm labor including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance reviews.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of farm machinery and equipment.
• Implement best practices in soil health, pest control, and water conservation.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Monitor crop progress, yield forecasts, and market conditions for timely adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Procure inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals.
• Maintain accurate records of activities, expenses, and yields.
• Collaborate with senior management on strategic farm development.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Data analysis

Education

Degree in Agriculture/Agronomy/Farm Management

Tools

Farm management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and results-oriented Farm Operations Manager to oversee extensive grain production operations in Bloemfontein, Free State . This leadership role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of modern agricultural practices, resource management, and team leadership. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of all farming activities, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and adherence to high standards of quality and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to manage large teams, optimize operational workflows, and drive profitability in a challenging agricultural landscape. This position offers the chance to make a substantial contribution to a leading agricultural enterprise in the heart of the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Planning, coordinating, and supervising all aspects of grain cultivation, from planting to harvesting.
• Managing farm labor, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Overseeing the maintenance and operation of farm machinery and equipment.
• Implementing and enforcing best practices in soil health management, pest control, and water conservation.
• Developing and managing operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Monitoring crop progress, yield forecasts, and market conditions to make timely operational adjustments.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Procuring necessary inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals.
• Maintaining accurate records of farm activities, expenses, and yields.
• Collaborating with senior management on strategic planning and long-term farm development.

Requirements

• A degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in farm management, with a significant focus on large-scale grain production.
• Demonstrated expertise in crop rotation, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting techniques for crops common in the Free State .
• Proven experience in managing substantial operational budgets and capital expenditures.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate diverse teams.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
• Knowledge of relevant South African agricultural legislation and best practices.
• A valid driver's license is essential; Code 10 with PDP is advantageous.
• Willingness to adapt to evolving agricultural technologies and methodologies.

Benefits

This role comes with a competitive annual salary of ZAR , reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the position. Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a substantial retirement annuity, and performance-based bonuses. We are committed to employee development and offer continuous learning opportunities. This is a unique chance to lead significant agricultural operations in a strategically important region, contributing to food security and agricultural innovation within Bloemfontein .