Farm Operations Manager - Large Scale Grain Production

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company housing or housing allowance

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement plan

Professional development and training

Access to modern farming equipment and

Technology enhancements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of our grain production operations near Vereeniging, Gauteng. This role requires strong leadership of large teams, strategic planning, and hands-on management of crops, equipment, and resources.

You will implement annual plans, optimize budgets, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while driving profitability in a dynamic farming environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Farm Management or related field.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in farm management, with large-scale grain production.
• Proven leadership experience managing large agricultural workforces.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of large-scale grain production from land preparation to harvesting.
• Develop and implement annual operational plans and budgets to hit targets and financial goals.
• Lead a diverse team of farm workers, supervisors, and equipment operators, ensuring safety and performance.
• Ensure efficient use of machinery, water, and fertilizer.
• Promote soil health and sustainable farming practices.
• Monitor crop progress, yields, and market conditions to adjust operations.
• Manage inventory of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and grain stocks.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain detailed production records and cost data.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategy, risk, and capital investments.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Data analysis

Team management

Farm management software

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Tools

Farm management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major agricultural producer specializing in large-scale grain operations, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Farm Operations Manager. This crucial leadership role is based in the agricultural heartland near Vereeniging, Gauteng . The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic planning of extensive grain farming activities, ensuring optimal efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This includes overseeing all aspects of crop cultivation, harvesting, resource management, staff supervision, and compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of modern farming techniques, and a proven ability to manage large teams and complex operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned agricultural professional to take on significant responsibility within a well-established and reputable organization. You will play a key role in shaping the operational strategies and ensuring the continued success of our client's significant grain production enterprise in Vereeniging, Gauteng . We are looking for a results-driven manager with a passion for agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of large-scale grain production, including land preparation, planting, cultivation, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement annual operational plans and budgets to achieve production targets and financial objectives.
• Manage and lead a diverse team of farm workers, supervisors, and equipment operators, ensuring high performance and safety standards.
• Ensure efficient utilization of farm machinery, equipment, and resources, including water and fertilizer.
• Implement and maintain best practices in soil health management and sustainable farming techniques.
• Monitor crop progress, yield forecasts, and market conditions, making timely operational adjustments.
• Oversee inventory management of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and harvested grain.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain detailed operational records, including production data, expenses, and staff performance.
• Collaborate with management on strategic planning, risk assessment, and capital investment decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's 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.
• Proven leadership experience managing large agricultural workforces.
• In-depth knowledge of modern grain farming techniques, crop science, and agricultural machinery.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation in an agricultural context.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with the agricultural conditions and challenges in the Gauteng region.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Company housing or housing allowance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training.
• Access to modern farming equipment and technology.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a leading agricultural company.
• Significant contribution to South Africa's food security.